When is the GPT value elevated?
If blood tests show an elevated level of the enzyme glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), this is usually due to liver cell destruction: The enzyme is found in high concentrations in liver cells and is released into the blood when cells are damaged. A biliary tract disease can also be the reason for GPT elevation. Overall, the following diseases are the main possible causes of GPT elevation:
- Liver inflammation caused by viruses (hepatitis A, B, C, D and E)
- Liver damage caused by toxins (such as fungal toxins)
- Liver damage due to medications
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Stagnant liver
- Fatty liver
- Liver tumors (such as liver cancer) and metastases of malignant tumors in the liver
- Inflammation of the bile ducts (cholangitis)
- Bile stasis (cholestasis)
Hemolysis (decay of red blood cells) may also be the reason if the GPT level is too high. This is 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.
GPT may also be elevated after vigorous exercise.
GPT elevated: When is there danger?
In many cases, it is not a concern if the GPT is slightly elevated. However, in people with frequently elevated readings, liver disease requiring therapy should be ruled out. This is especially true if other liver values are also elevated at the same time.
Elevated GPT: How does the doctor find the cause?
If the liver values GOT, gamma-GT and GPT are elevated, the physician will ask exactly about the symptoms and medical history in order to clarify possible liver damage. Typical questions include:
- Do you have pain in the right upper abdomen?
- Do you have one or more of the following symptoms: spidery veins of the skin, shiny redness of the palm, frequent flatulence, persistent severe itching, blood in the stool?
- What medications are you taking?
- Have you recently been abroad?
- Do you have a family history of liver disease?
This information will help the physician clarify why liver values such as GPT are elevated. This is supplemented by physical examinations and imaging procedures such as ultrasound. Once the cause has been determined, appropriate therapy can be initiated.
