The role of traditional biomarkers in patients of alcohol dependence – an explorative study

Heavy consumption of alcohol can cause untold misery to the individual, who is usually affected by other physical, psychological and social disabilities as well. To treat people with alcoholism clinicians need tools like biomarkers that can properly assess not only the patient’s past and recent drinking activity but also any history of drinking problems in the
family that they may have.This study was a hospital based case control study carried out in a tertiary medical institution located in the upper part of Assam, India. AST, ALT, GGT and MCV levels were significantly elevated in patients of alcohol dependence when compared to controls. The significant elevation of ALT and GGT in alcohol withdrawal patients presenting with withdrawal seizures indicate that their elevated levels could be a risk factor for withdrawal seizures.