[Biochemical markers in relation to the degree of alcohol dependence]

In 93 alcohol dependent patients following laboratory tests were done: gamma-glutamic transpeptidase (GGTP), aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT), mean erythrocyte volume (MCV), triglycerides (TGL), and HDL-cholesterol to whole-cholesterol ratio (HDLC%). The psychometric evaluation was made by MAST questionnaire and by authors clinical scale for the evaluation of alcohol dependence. Lover values of GGTP and SGOT were shown in patients during abstinence than in subjects continuing drinking. Patients more severely dependent showed higher HDLC%. The more frequent abnormalities reflected: GGTP (33.7%), MCV (33.7%), and HDLC (31.4%). The use of these 3 markers allowed to reveal abnormalities in 72.1% of subjects, while the use of all 5 markers - in 81.4%. The identification significance of markers was different in persons with more and less severe alcohol dependence. Three most sensible markers in the group of less dependent subjects were GGTP, MCV, TGL (60% of subjects showed abnormalities regarding these markers). Among more severe dependent subjects HDLC%, GGTP, and MCV were most sensible markers (78.4% of abnormalities). Using all 5 markers the abnormalities in the group of less severe dependent subjects were found in 71.4%, and in the group of more severe dependent patients--in 88.2%.