Elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase and total bile acids

Under normal circumstances, elevated levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and total bile acids may be caused by liver metabolic dysfunction, cholecystitis, cirrhosis, or other conditions. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Liver Metabolic Dysfunction

In patients who drink alcohol over a long period, alcoholic hepatitis or alcoholic liver disease may develop, leading to increased GGT levels. When elevated GGT is accompanied by increased bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and total bile acids, it may indicate cholestatic hepatitis. Patients can follow medical advice to take medications such as hepatoprotective tablets or entecavir tablets for treatment.

2. Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis refers to chemical inflammation of the gallbladder caused by obstruction of the cystic duct due to gallstones, inflammatory edema of the cystic duct, or parasites such as roundworms, resulting in bile stasis and concentration that irritates the gallbladder. Patients with acute cholecystitis may present with elevated GGT and total bile acid levels, often accompanied by severe colicky or distending pain in the right upper abdomen. Treatment may include medications such as ampicillin capsules or oxyphenamide tablets, taken as directed by a physician.

3. Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis causes damage to liver tissue, leading to direct death of some liver cells. As a result, GGT is released from damaged liver cells into the bloodstream, causing the aforementioned abnormalities. Patients can follow medical advice to take medications such as tenofovir alafenamide fumarate tablets or tiopronin tablets for treatment.

Besides the three causes listed above, other conditions such as fatty liver, liver cancer, or bile duct cancer may also lead to similar findings. If any discomfort occurs, immediate medical consultation is recommended.