Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which laboratory value is likely elevated in patients who are alcohol abusers?

1. Serum GGT (gamma glutamyl transaminase)

2. Serum ALT (alanine aminotransferase)

3. Serum bilirubin

4. Blood urea nitrogen

The correct answer is: Serum GGT (gamma glutamyl transaminase)

Serum GGT (gamma glutamyl transaminase) is frequently elevated in patients who are chronic alcohol abusers, making it the correct answer. GGT is an enzyme that is found in various tissues throughout the body, with particularly high concentrations in the liver. Its elevation is often associated with liver dysfunction, and it is especially responsive to alcohol consumption. In cases of excessive drinking, the liver becomes stressed, leading to an increase in GGT levels. Elevated GGT can also indicate the presence of other liver-related issues such as fatty liver disease or cholestasis, but its specificity for alcohol-related liver disease is noteworthy. Other laboratory values can also change with alcohol abuse; however, they may not be as closely correlated. Serum ALT and AST (alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, respectively) can be elevated in liver injury due to alcohol, but they are not as specific as GGT. Serum bilirubin levels can rise in liver dysfunction as well but typically occur in more advanced disease or liver impairment, rather than as an early marker of alcohol abuse. Blood urea nitrogen levels are more indicative of renal function and are less associated with alcohol abuse directly. Thus, while those values might show changes, GGT remains the most