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Determination of reference range of gamma glutamyl transferase in the neonatal intensive care unit

Dong Bin Kim1, Gina Lim1, Ki Won Oh1

  • 1a Department of Pediatrics , Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine , Ulsan , South Korea.

The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine : the Official Journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians
|April 29, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Neonatal gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels are significantly higher in the first week of life, particularly in preterm infants. These early GGT values do not predict cholestasis.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Neonatology
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is an enzyme crucial for various metabolic processes.
  • Establishing reference ranges for neonatal GGT is essential for accurate clinical interpretation.
  • Limited data exists on early life GGT levels across different gestational ages.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the reference range of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) within the first week of life.
  • To analyze GGT levels based on gestational age (GA) and other relevant neonatal factors.
  • To assess the predictive value of early GGT for cholestasis.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of GGT levels in 2091 neonates admitted within 7 days of birth.
  • GGT levels measured between 3-7 days of age were stratified by gestational age.
  • Investigated associations with sex, delivery mode, small for gestational age, and cholestasis prediction.

Main Results:

  • Neonatal GGT levels averaged 156.7 ± 98.2 IU/L, significantly higher than adult values.
  • Preterm infants and male infants exhibited significantly higher GGT levels compared to term and female infants, respectively.
  • Delivery mode and small for gestational age status did not significantly correlate with GGT levels; early GGT lacked predictive value for cholestasis.

Conclusions:

  • Early life GGT levels are substantially elevated in neonates, with the highest concentrations observed in preterm infants (GA 31-35 weeks).
  • Gestational age is a key determinant of early neonatal GGT levels.
  • Routine early GGT measurement is not recommended for predicting cholestasis in neonates.
Abstract

Keywords:
Cholestasisgestational agepreterm infantssex

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