A STUDY OF SERUM GAMMA GLUTAMYL TRANSFERASE(GGT) LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE ISCHEMIC STROKE(AIS) IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE, MANDYA.

Background: Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is an enzyme involved in oxidative stress and atherosclerosis, both of which play a key role in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. Elevated GGT levels may reflect the extent of oxidative damage in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. This study aims to evaluate the association between Objective: serum GGT levels and AIS, its severity based on the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and its relation to stroke risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and stroke location. A cross-sectional study was conduc Methods: ted at a tertiary care hospital between December 2023 and May 2024. A total of 120 participants were recruited, comprising 60 AIS patients and 60 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Serum GGT levels were measured, and stroke severity was classified using the NIHSS. AIS patients had significantly higher serum GGT levels compared to cont Results: rols (46.20 ± 29.50 IU/L vs. 25.75 ± 6.10 IU/L, p < 0.001). GGT levels positively correlated with stroke severity, with the highest levels observed in patients with severe strokes (NIHSS > 21: 85.60 ± 38.50 IU/L, p < 0.001). No significant differences in GGT levels were found based on stroke location, age, or comorbidities such as diabetes or hypertension. Conclusion: Elevated serum GGT levels are associated with acute ischemic stroke and its severity. GGT could serve as a potential biomarker for assessing stroke severity and guiding early intervention.