GPT increased
and Martina Feichter, medical editor and biologistDr. med. Mira Seidel is a freelance writer for the medical team.
More about the expertsMartina Feichter studied biology with an elective subject pharmacy in Innsbruck and also immersed herself in the world of medicinal plants. From there it was not far to other medical topics that still captivate her to this day. She trained as a journalist at the Axel Springer Academy in Hamburg and has been working for since 2007 - first as an editor and since 2012 as a freelance writer.
More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.
If the enzyme GPT is increased in the blood, this usually indicates liver damage. This is especially true when other liver enzymes (such as GOT) are too high. Read here which diseases can be the reason when the liver is damaged and the GPT is increased.
When is the GPT value increased?
If, according to a blood test, the enzyme glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) is increased, it is usually due to liver cell destruction: the enzyme is found in high concentrations in the liver cells and is released into the blood when cells are damaged. A biliary tract disease can also be the reason for the increase in GPT. Overall, the following diseases in particular come into question as the cause of an increase in GPT:
- Inflammation of the liver caused by viruses (hepatitis A, B, C, D and E)
- Liver damage from toxins (such as mushroom toxins)
- Liver damage from medication
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Congested liver
- Fatty liver
- Liver tumors (such as liver cancer) and colonization of malignant tumors in the liver (metastases)
- Inflammation of the bile ducts (cholangitis)
- Biliary obstruction (cholestasis)
GPT is particularly elevated in overweight people who consume alcohol excessively. Both factors - a high-fat diet and regular alcohol consumption - can also independently cause excessive fat to be stored in the liver. This fatty liver can lead to liver cirrhosis (replacement of healthy liver tissue with connective tissue) and ultimately liver failure. The doctor can recognize such serious liver diseases by the fact that liver values such as the GPT value are increased.
Hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells) can also be the cause if the GPT level is too high. Because the enzyme is also contained in the red blood cells and is released when they disintegrate. Hemolysis can be caused, for example, by severe infections, poisoning or prosthetic heart valves.
Even after vigorous physical exertion, the GPT can be increased.
GPT increased: when is there a danger?
In many cases it is not a concern if the GPT is slightly increased. However, liver disease requiring therapy should be ruled out in people with frequently elevated measured values. This is especially true if other liver values are also elevated at the same time.
GPT increased: how does the doctor find the cause?
If the liver values GOT, Gamma-GT and GPT are increased, the doctor will ask exactly about the symptoms and the medical history to clarify possible liver damage. Typical questions are, for example:
- Do you have pain in your right upper abdomen?
- Have you ever noticed yellowing of your skin or eyes?
- Do you have one or more of the following symptoms: spider-shaped veins of the skin, shiny reddening of the palms of the hands, frequent flatulence, persistent severe itching, blood in the stool?
- What medications are you taking?
- Was the last time you stayed abroad?
- Do you have liver disease in your family?
This information helps the doctor to clarify why liver values, such as GPT, are elevated. In addition, there are physical examinations and imaging procedures such as ultrasound. Once the cause has been determined, suitable therapy can be initiated.
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