Detection of alcoholism relapse: comparative diagnostic value of MCV, GGTP, and AANB.

Mean red blood cell volume (MCV), plasma gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP), and plasma alpha amino-n-butyric acid (AANB) were measured in 245 patients undergoing treatment for alcoholism at the V.A. Medical Center, Bronx, N.Y. and Raleigh Hills Hospitals, Denver, Colo. AANB and GGTP, but not MCV, decreased following withdrawal from alcohol and during a period of abstinence. Among patients who relapsed, AANB and GGTP, but not MCV, increased in a majority of subjects. The combined use of AANB and GGTP identified 28/33 heavy drinkers, while 4/33 patients in remission had positive tests. In conclusion, measurement of AANB and GGTP are useful in documenting the success of treatment for alcoholism and in identifying patients who relapse following treatment for alcoholism.