Raised ALT and Gamma GT readings

[freyja15]

I've been diagnosed with Hep C for about 12 years. I received my latest blood test results today and my ALT is above 100 and my Gamma GT is about 450. I realise that the second figure especially is very high, but am unable to see a doctor to discuss this for over a week. Any knowledge/advice about how these readings affect me, and my liver are most welcome. Thanks.

[dancegirl54]

I've also had high GGT, but hasnt even been checked for a few years. Dr A in Boston, my doc, one of the best, does not use that test anymore and told me not to worry about it at the start of our journey together

[Trinity4]

Welcome to the forum.  Hope this helps.

GGT test  (normal range of GGT is from 5 IU/L to 80 IU/L.)
The GGT test helps to detect liver and bile duct injury. While some doctors use it in all people they suspect of having liver disease, others use it only to help explain the cause of other changes or if they suspect alcohol abuse.(!) For example, both ALP and GGT are elevated in disease of the bile ducts and in some liver diseases, but only ALP will be elevated in bone disease. If the GGT level is normal in a person with a high ALP, the cause is most likely bone disease. GGT can also be used to screen for chronic alcohol abuse (it will be elevated in about 75% of chronic drinkers). (!)

When is it ordered?
A doctor usually orders GGT along with other tests to evaluate a person who has signs or symptoms that suggest liver disease. Some of the symptoms of liver injury include jaundice, nausea, vomiting, abdominal swelling, abdominal pain, pruritus (severe itching), and fatigue.

GGT is increased in most diseases that cause acute damage to the liver or bile ducts, but is usually not helpful in distinguishing between different causes of liver damage. For this reason, use of GGT is controversial, and guidelines published by the National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases do not recommend routine use of GGT. These guidelines suggest that it can be useful in determining the cause of a high ALP. In persons with a history of alcohol abuse who have completed alcohol treatment, GGT may be used to monitor compliance with the treatment program.

ALT (also called alanine aminotransferase or SGPT) is found in the liver only. High levels of ALT in the bloodstream mean that there may be liver inflammation and/or damage. This test cannot predict liver damage or disease progression. It is simply a direct measurement of the amount of ALT in the person's bloodstream at the time of the test. The normal range of ALT levels is between 5 IU/L to 60 IU/L (International Units per Liter). ALT levels in people with HCV often rise and fall over time, so additional testing such as HCV RNA, HCV genotyping and a liver biopsy may be needed to help determine the cause and extent of liver damage.

According to your test results, you have inflammation as well as some liver disease.  The extent cannot be determined without a biopsy.  Waiting a week to see a doctor is not going to make any difference.  However, I would recommend you see a liver specialist and start having the necessary testing to determine if treatment is an option.  Knowing you've had the disease for 12 years does not mean that is when you became infected.  You may have had it much longer and as a rule the longer one has the disease, the more liver damage occurs.  Good luck with you doctor.  Keep us posted.
Trinity