Prevalence of gamma-glutamyltransferase and mean corpuscular volume laboratory markers in alcohol dependent patients

Introduction
DSM-5/APA indicates three sensitive laboratory markers of heavy drinking useful in the diagnosis of alcohol use disorders: mean corpuscular volume (MCV), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT). The study aim was to identify the proportion of the occurrence of the abnormal values of the readily available laboratory tests for MCV and GGT among the patients with alcohol dependence at the time of their admission for treatment.

Material and methods
There were 543 patients included in the study, with average age 45 (SD ± 12.3) years, 72% were males. Clinical diagnosis of alcohol dependence was assessed according ICD-10/WHO criteria.

Results
Increased values of MCV were detected in 44% of patients and GGT in 50%. At least one marker was increased in 64% of the patients.

Conclusions
Significant proportion of patients with alcohol dependence had normal values of MCV and GGT at the time of treatment admission. The findings indicate the important, but only supportive role of these laboratory markers in the alcohol use disorders assessment. Clinical assessment of patient’s condition according to valid diagnostic criteria has a crucial role in the diagnosis of alcohol dependence.