CDT (carbohydrate-deficient transferrin) has been described as a more sensitive and specific marker of recent heavy alcohol consumption than others like GGT. Whereas specifities of at least 90 percent are reported, sensitivities are poorer ranging from 22 to 79 percent. Only a few investigations refer to gender differences with lower specifities in females. The course of CDT (incl. methanol, isopropanol and GGT) was investigated during 2 resp. 3 weeks with a daily ethanol consumption of 50 to 60g in less than 3 hours in the evenings using 7 female and 12 male healthy persons. CDT was determined in duplicate by a double antibody kit (CDTectR, Kabi Pharmacia). Methanol and isopropanol as shorttime as well as GGT shorttime as well as GGT as medium-term marker did not react. CDT increased in 8 of 12 males, with 5 exceeding the cut-off level of 2OU per I and 3 cases supposed to exceed cut-off levels after a prolonged alcohol consumption of more than 3 weeks. 4 showed no reaction (non responders). In contrast to recent studies, females also showed an increase in 6 of the 7 cases, with 3 exceeding the upper normal level of 26U per l after 10 days and 3 cases supposed to surpass it after prolongation to 14 days. One female did not respond. Thus, CDT provides an important instrument for detection of alcohol drinking of at least 60g per day over a minimum of 3 weeks. (A)
Samenvatting