[Biochemical and hematological indices of alcohol consumption in the aged]

Tre gamma-GT, SGOT, SGPT, urate and triglyceride levels and the mean cell volume were suggested to be markers of alcohol intake in the adult. The value of these markers for the old and the very old (over 80) were investigated. Three groups of different ages of heavy drinkers (under 50, 60-70 over 80) were examined. The highest number of alterations was found in the under 50 group; the lowest in the over 80 (P less than 0.01; chi square M X N method). The mean values in this last group and the number of alterations were similar to those found in a group of no-drinkers of the same age. These markers of alcohol uptake are considered to be of less value for the aged people.