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. 1992 Apr;22(2):209-13.
doi: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.1992.tb02815.x.

Biological markers of alcoholism

G Whelan  1
Affiliations

Biological markers of alcoholism

G Whelan. Aust N Z J Med. 1992 Apr.

Abstract

The roles of two categories of biological markers--those relating to alcohol consumption and those relating to the risk of developing alcohol related problems--are reviewed. Platelet Mono-amino oxidase levels are low in individuals with a strong inheritance of their drinking problem (Cloninger Type II alcoholics). Elevated gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels identify regular heavy drinkers with a sensitivity between 40-60%. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) has a high specificity (95%) and is useful in detecting regular heavy drinkers in the ambulatory care population if other causes of an elevated MCV can be included.

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