Serum γ-Glutamyl Transpeptidase Activity and Bile Acids in Normal Taiwanese Infants

To facilitate making a diagnosis of cholestatic liver disease in Taiwan, we have established reference ranges for serum γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) activity and bile acids in normal Taiwanese infants. The serum level of γ-GT activity was assayed in 90 normal Taiwanese infants and children aged between 2 days and 2 years old. These data were analyzed in twenty-three 0~3-month-old, twenty-four 4~6-month- old, and forty-three 7~24-month-old infants. The mean values of serum γ-GT activity were 47.4 ±26.6, 21.5±7.3, and 14.0 ±3.2IU/L for the respective age groups. The highest reference γ-GT values were 99.5, 35.8, and 20.3IU/L for the respective age groups. The mean values of serum γ-GT activity were highest in infants younger than 3 months, and these gradually decreased to the adult level with age (p＜0.01). Serum bile acids were measured in 24 premature and 56 full-term infants. The mean values of serum bile acids were 34.5±34.5μmol/L in preterm infants and 18.7±21.9μmol/L in full-term babies. The bile acid levels of preterm infants were higher than those in full-term babies (p＜0.01).