Gamma-glutamyltransferase and lactic acid as markers of oxidative stress in carbon monoxide poisoning

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), lactate levels, blood hematological values and end-organ damage, and the association of all these parameters with the clinical status of the patients in carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning cases. Design: Retrospective study Setting: Malatya Training and Research Hospital, Malatya, Turkey Subjects: All patients presenting to the Emergency Department with T58 codes (toxic effect of CO), classified according to the International Classification of Disease-10, between the dates of 1/9/2015 and 1/9/2016 were evaluated. Intervention: None Main outcome measure: Oxidative status in CO poisoning evaluated by the results of GGT and lactate levels Results: The difference between GGT levels in the three groups was significant (P<.001): in Group 1 with carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) <10, GGT was 11.5 U/L (6-34); in Group 2 with COHb between 10-25, GGT was 19 U/L (8-34); and in Group 3 with COHb >25, GGT was 20 U/L (9-92). The difference between lactate levels in the three groups was also significant (P<.001): in Group 1 with COHb <10, lactate level was 0.8 mmol/L (0.08-2.9); in Group 2 with COHb between 10-25, lactate level was 1.3 mmol/L (0.1-3.4); and in Group 3 with COHb >25, lactate level was 2.1 mmol/L (0.3-13.7). Conclusion: The potential interaction between serum GGT and CO poisoning has not previously been evaluated with oxidative status. GGT and lactate levels can be used as surrogate markers rather than definitive diagnostic markers of oxidative stress in CO poisoning.