Forensic considerations on the comparison of "serum gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase" ("gamma-GT) activity in experimental acute alcoholic intoxication and in alcoholic car drivers who caused road accidents

Abstract

The authors studied blood alcohol levels and serum gamma-GT activity in 18 drivers who caused car accidents while intoxicated, and in 20 young volunteer subjects without any hepatic damage, in which an acute alcoholic intoxication was present. In most of the drivers the serum gamma-GT activity was significantly higher than in the volunteers, which strongly suggests a chronic alcoholic intoxication. In the 20 volunteers, who were occasional drinkers, the serum gamma-GT activity did not show pathological values even in a state of heavy intoxication. According to the authors, the serum gamma-GT determination could be made obligatory by law, in order to differentiate between acute or chronic alcoholic intoxication. Should an intoxicated driver be found guilty of an offense, this fact could aggravate the circumstances. Furthermore serum gamma-GT activity determination could be used as an evaluating parameter in granting driving licences.