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I Just Got Blood Results Back On My Husband And
Question: I just got blood results back on my husband and his GGT level is 869, he has experienced extreme weight loss (over 50 pounds in the last 6 months) and I'm extremely concerned. His Platelet Count is low at 112, Iron is 276. We can not get into the doctor for follow up for four weeks and I feel like I will go crazy waiting that long :(
Brief Answer:
Liver conditions may cause all the changes you mention (increased GGT, low platelet, and increased iron levels)- having a look at the rest of the test results and knowing about his symptoms is important
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern related to the increased levels in the blood test results.
GGT in the case of your husband is very high compared to normal values and also the Iron is increased (it should not be more than 198 in men- there may be a little variation of the norm in different labs).
The platelet count is lower than the desirable levels (150-450) but it is not at dangerous levels for bleeding (30 or less).
There are various possible causes of increased GGT such as heart problems, diabetes, hypertension, thyroid problems, liver problems, lung conditions, kidney function decline, alcohol use, or a side effect of medications. So, GGT is not specific for a certain condition and other tests are needed to clearly identify its cause.
On the other hand, major cause that may explain all the findings (high GGT, low platelet and increased iron levels) could be a problem with the liver.
Very likely your husband has had other tests done such as ALT, AST, Bilirubin, ALP, glucose, lipids, CBC, ERS, etc. It would be very helpful if you upload all the blood tests he has had and other examinations if he has done any (ultrasound examination, etc).
Also, it is very important to know if your husband has any current complaints (any symptoms) and why did he do the blood tests.
To conclude:
- There is a huge variety of conditions that may cause GGT to spike, this is why it is important to have the full report of the tests he has done to better localize the cause
- By the information already provided, liver conditions are very likely the cause in this case
- I would kindly ask you to upload the full blood test results and also any other examinations that your husband might have had recently, and also to let me know of the reason why he conducted these tests and if he has any symptoms.
- All this information will help me determine the likely cause of the changes and how urgent the condition may be.
I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance and hope to hear from you soon.
Kind regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
Liver conditions may cause all the changes you mention (increased GGT, low platelet, and increased iron levels)- having a look at the rest of the test results and knowing about his symptoms is important
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern related to the increased levels in the blood test results.
GGT in the case of your husband is very high compared to normal values and also the Iron is increased (it should not be more than 198 in men- there may be a little variation of the norm in different labs).
The platelet count is lower than the desirable levels (150-450) but it is not at dangerous levels for bleeding (30 or less).
There are various possible causes of increased GGT such as heart problems, diabetes, hypertension, thyroid problems, liver problems, lung conditions, kidney function decline, alcohol use, or a side effect of medications. So, GGT is not specific for a certain condition and other tests are needed to clearly identify its cause.
On the other hand, major cause that may explain all the findings (high GGT, low platelet and increased iron levels) could be a problem with the liver.
Very likely your husband has had other tests done such as ALT, AST, Bilirubin, ALP, glucose, lipids, CBC, ERS, etc. It would be very helpful if you upload all the blood tests he has had and other examinations if he has done any (ultrasound examination, etc).
Also, it is very important to know if your husband has any current complaints (any symptoms) and why did he do the blood tests.
To conclude:
- There is a huge variety of conditions that may cause GGT to spike, this is why it is important to have the full report of the tests he has done to better localize the cause
- By the information already provided, liver conditions are very likely the cause in this case
- I would kindly ask you to upload the full blood test results and also any other examinations that your husband might have had recently, and also to let me know of the reason why he conducted these tests and if he has any symptoms.
- All this information will help me determine the likely cause of the changes and how urgent the condition may be.
I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance and hope to hear from you soon.
Kind regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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