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

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to establish the reference range of gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) in the first week of life at each gestational age (GA).

METHODS

This retrospective study included infants born and admitted before 7 days of age with no apparent congenital liver disease during four consecutive years. Early GGT levels measured at 3-7 days of age were analyzed according to GA. Differences according to sex, mode of delivery, small for gestational age, and the predictability for cholestasis were analyzed.

RESULTS

We analyzed early GGT values in 2091 neonates. The average reference value in neonates (156.7 ± 98.2 IU/L) was much higher than that in adults. The GGT values were significantly higher in preterm than in term infants and in male infants than in female infants. Mode of delivery and small for gestational age were not significantly related to GGT level. Early GGT had no predictive value for cholestasis occurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Early GGT levels were much higher in neonates, especially preterm infants with GA of 31-35 weeks.