Related Experiment Videos
Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase in meningitis
1Department of Medicine IV and Biochemistry, Medical College and Hospital, Rohtak.
Abstract:
Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) was measured serially in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum in 23 cases of meningitis (15 pyogenic and 8 tuberculous meningitis) and an equal number of age and sex matched healthy controls, to find out its diagnostic and prognostic significance in meningitis. GGTP activity was significantly elevated (p less than 0.001) in CSF and serum in meningitis as compared to control subjects. Levels were significantly higher in pyogenic as compared to tuberculous meningitis (p less than 0.001) and in CSF than in serum (p less than 0.001). The maximum elevation was seen on the 1st day and thereafter the activity declined in the majority (65.2%) of cases. However, in 3 cases of pyogenic meningitis and 5 cases of tuberculous meningitis, the GGTP activity on subsequent estimation increased serially; all these 8 cases died. It is concluded that CSF GGTP activity is significantly elevated in meningitis and serial rise in its activity is associated with poor prognosis and even fatal outcome.
Insights
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) is elevated in meningitis. Serial increases in CSF GGTP indicate a poor prognosis and potential fatality in meningitis patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, presents diagnostic challenges.
- Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) is an enzyme with potential utility in various clinical conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diagnostic and prognostic significance of gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of meningitis patients.
- To differentiate between pyogenic and tuberculous meningitis using GGTP levels.
Main Methods:
- Serial measurement of GGTP activity in CSF and serum.
- Comparison of GGTP levels in 23 meningitis cases (15 pyogenic, 8 tuberculous) with age and sex-matched healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Significantly elevated GGTP levels in CSF and serum of meningitis patients compared to controls (p < 0.001).
- Higher GGTP levels observed in pyogenic meningitis versus tuberculous meningitis (p < 0.001) and in CSF compared to serum (p < 0.001).
- A serial rise in GGTP activity was associated with fatal outcomes in 8 cases.
Conclusions:
- CSF GGTP is a significant biomarker for meningitis diagnosis.
- Serial monitoring of CSF GGTP activity can predict poor prognosis and fatal outcomes in meningitis.