What causes elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase?
Disease description:
Feeling unwell, I was diagnosed with high gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). I would like to know what causes elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase levels?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels may be caused by various factors:
1. Lifestyle habits: Long-term sleep deprivation, excessive alcohol consumption, intense physical exercise, binge eating, and a high-fat diet can all lead to temporary liver dysfunction, resulting in elevated GGT levels. These factors usually cause reversible changes, and GGT levels typically return to normal once the triggers are removed.
2. Viral hepatitis: Conditions such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C can cause liver inflammation and necrosis due to viral infection, leading to increased GGT levels in liver function tests.
3. Alcoholic hepatitis: Chronic heavy drinking can induce hepatocyte necrosis, impair liver function, and result in elevated GGT levels.
4. Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas may affect liver function to some extent, causing GGT levels to rise.
5. Pancreatic tumors: Tumors in the pancreas may cause obstruction of the biliary tract, leading to increased GGT levels.
When elevated GGT levels are detected, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital.
