Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: EC:2.6.1.1 (aspartate aminotransferase)
 21,665 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

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%.
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PMID:[Biochemical markers in relation to the degree of alcohol dependence]. 198 82

In a general medical unit 27% of 104 admissions and 17% of bed occupancy were attributed to alcohol consumption, although only 10 of these 28 patients had classical alcohol-related conditions. Questioning on the amount of alcohol consumed was the most accurate method of screening for these patients. The brief MAST questionnaire, mean red cell volume, gamma-glutamyl transferase, aspartate transaminase and urate were all inadequate as screening tests. Only 13% of the admissions were defined as 'problem drinkers' on the brief MAST questionnaire, suggesting that harmful effects of alcohol are not confined to 'alcoholics'. Clinical suspicion and questions on the level of alcohol consumption are more efficient than questionnaire, biochemical or haematological screening tests in detecting alcohol-related medical problems.
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PMID:Detecting alcohol consumption as a cause of emergency general medical admissions. 287 Nov 89

In the US, about 11% to 20% of patients presenting to general medical clinics are diagnosed as suffering from alcohol abuse or dependence. Alcohol screening in primary care settings, whether in the US or Singapore, can utilise various strategies for the early detection of alcohol problems. This paper briefly reviews several self-reports and screening procedures to assist general practitioners in identifying problem drinkers. The use of CAGE questionnaire, MAST, and its variation, SAAST and the AUDIT, are discussed and evaluated. Likewise, useful biochemical markers of excessive alcohol consumption like the liver enzymes (AST, ALT, GGT), MCV, CDT are described. They can be combined with each other to improve validity or used in conjunction with self-report screening tests for more accurate detection of problem drinkers. In particular, use of the AUDIT for routine screening of alcohol problems in primary care settings is recommended. Selective administration to those with at least two drinks per setting can overcome time constraints. Alternatively, sequential screening utilising the TRAUMA questionnaire with frequency and quantity questions administered to higher frequency drinkers can circumvent concerns about direct questioning. Use of self-reports and when possible, biochemical screening for alcohol problems should be a standard part of primary care practice.
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PMID:What you need to know: detecting alcohol problems in general medical practice. 955 5

A not moderate alcohol consumption or its abuse have relevant consequences not only on the health of the general population but also on the possibility to carry out any work in safety conditions. These behaviours have focused the attention of the institutions, which have promoted in the last years a growing number of preventive and informative actions and have adopted specific laws that have significantly involved the figure of occupational physician. Over the clinical implications, in fact, those behaviours, in the employment context, are associated with an increased risk of injuries (from 10 to 30% of total), an increase in the number of absences from work, with greater precariousness, with the possible interaction and/or strengthening of other occupational toxics and with the progressive reduction of working capacity. Diagnostic tools available for the detection of alcohol abuse or dependency consist, in acute cases by direct measuring of alcohol on blood, saliva and exhaled air, while in the chronic situations in addiction to the more traditional indicators (AST, ALT, GGT, MCV) there are recently introduced marker (CDT)--or in validation (ethyl glucuronide)--that representing, also with specific questionnaires (AUDIT, MAST, MALT, CAGE), useful integrated tools in the clinical-diagnostic path. The role and contribution of occupational medicine in the management of alcohol related problems is vital and relevant. Must be clear however that these are problems associated with a particular behaviour of the person and not with risks present on work-site.
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PMID:[Acute and chronic alcohol abuse and work]. 1928 91