What causes elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in newborns?
Jul 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels in newborns may be caused by physiological jaundice, the effects of breastfeeding, cholestasis, viral hepatitis, biliary atresia, or other similar reasons. If abnormal symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a reputable hospital. In daily life, maintaining a clean and hygienic living environment for the newborn to prevent infections is important.
Generally, elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels in newborns may be caused by physiological jaundice, the effects of breastfeeding, cholestasis, viral hepatitis, biliary atresia, and other factors. If abnormal symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a qualified hospital. Specific explanations are as follows:
1. Physiological Jaundice
After birth, a newborn's liver function is not yet fully matured, and the metabolism of bilirubin may temporarily affect the metabolism of gamma-glutamyl transferase, leading to transiently elevated levels. Usually, as the newborn ages and liver function gradually improves, this indicator will return to normal on its own. Increasing feeding frequency appropriately can promote defecation and help eliminate bilirubin.
2. Influence of Breastfeeding
Certain components in breast milk might mildly affect the newborn's liver metabolism, causing elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase levels. If the newborn appears alert, feeds normally, and gains weight appropriately, breastfeeding generally does not need to be discontinued.
3. Cholestasis
If bile excretion is impaired in newborns, bile may accumulate in the liver, stimulating liver cells to secrete more gamma-glutamyl transferase, thereby increasing its levels. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as yellowing of the skin and lighter-colored stools. Medications that promote bile excretion should be used under a doctor's guidance, such as ursodeoxycholic acid capsules, ademetionine 1,4-butanedisulfonate enteric-coated tablets, and Yinzhihuang oral liquid.
4. Viral Hepatitis
When newborns are infected with hepatitis viruses, the viruses can damage liver cells, impairing normal liver function and causing gamma-glutamyl transferase to be released into the bloodstream, leading to elevated levels. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as lethargy, reduced feeding, and persistent jaundice. Antiviral therapy should be conducted under a doctor's guidance, such as using ganciclovir injection, recombinant human interferon α1b injection, or lamivudine oral solution.
5. Biliary Atresia
Biliary atresia prevents bile from being excreted normally, causing bile to accumulate in the liver, severely damaging liver cells, and significantly increasing gamma-glutamyl transferase levels. It is typically accompanied by progressively worsening jaundice and clay-colored stools. Once diagnosed, prompt surgical treatment is required to restore the bile drainage pathway. After surgery, liver-protecting medications may be used under a doctor's guidance, such as reduced glutathione injection, compound glycyrrhizinic acid injection, and silybinin葡甲胺片 (silybinin polymethylamine tablets).
In daily life, it is important to maintain a clean and hygienic living environment for the newborn to prevent infections. Breastfeeding should be provided on demand to ensure adequate nutrition for the newborn. Close attention should be paid to the newborn's mental status, feeding behavior, and urination and defecation patterns, seeking medical attention promptly if any abnormalities occur.
