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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Elevated liver enzymes with Hepatitis C
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Elevated liver enzymes with Hepatitis C
by sgtmac, Aug 21, 2004 12:00AM
I am a 49 yr old male, excellent health (167 lbs). I have had elevated liver enzymes for a number of years (since 1992)12 to 18 points on the ALT and AST. I have had 3 blood tests in the last 45 days.I consumed about 6 beers 36 hrs. before the tests (2on same day). Results were:
test#1 ALT 58 Ref.0-45 AST 64 Ref.0-41 hepatitis C pos.Life ins.
test#2 ALT 83 Ref.30-65 AST 54 Ref.15-37 no hep C test.pers doc.
Called my Dr. and told him the about the life ins.exam blood test results and he did another test to confirm. Results were:
test#3
Total Bili 1.1 Ref. 0.0-1.0
ALT 101
AST 65
Hepatitis C Pos. All other tests normal test 1,2,3
I have also been taking a vitamin called Mega Men Dietary Supplement fof over a yr.(GNC).up to this life ins. test.I stopped taking the Mega about 2mon. ago and started taking one a day vitamin for active life styles.I have been a drinker for a long time Beer mostly and was actively drinking while I was taking these vitamins. Before my Dr. second test I was taking a dietary supplement called Liver Aid w B12 and almino acids to cleanse. My Dr. ordered a CT scan of my Liver Its normal in all respects no cirrosis no inflammation no damage. Why do I have hepatitis C if my liver is normal?,and why are the ALT/AST levels always been high? I stopped taking all vitamins. Did the vitamins along with the drinking give me The Hepatitis C? and is it possible my body will cleanse itself of the Hep C.My doctor is getting me an appointment with a Gastro--- Doc.. I have not had a test for viral load test yet. This new Doc. will probally do this test. Also I do not have a family history of this.I`m a member of the military and had my physical exam w/blood tests in april of 02 all was fine,normal,no diease Any Adice and what do you think my next move should be?
Thanks
SgtMac
test#1 ALT 58 Ref.0-45 AST 64 Ref.0-41 hepatitis C pos.Life ins.
test#2 ALT 83 Ref.30-65 AST 54 Ref.15-37 no hep C test.pers doc.
Called my Dr. and told him the about the life ins.exam blood test results and he did another test to confirm. Results were:
test#3
Total Bili 1.1 Ref. 0.0-1.0
ALT 101
AST 65
Hepatitis C Pos. All other tests normal test 1,2,3
I have also been taking a vitamin called Mega Men Dietary Supplement fof over a yr.(GNC).up to this life ins. test.I stopped taking the Mega about 2mon. ago and started taking one a day vitamin for active life styles.I have been a drinker for a long time Beer mostly and was actively drinking while I was taking these vitamins. Before my Dr. second test I was taking a dietary supplement called Liver Aid w B12 and almino acids to cleanse. My Dr. ordered a CT scan of my Liver Its normal in all respects no cirrosis no inflammation no damage. Why do I have hepatitis C if my liver is normal?,and why are the ALT/AST levels always been high? I stopped taking all vitamins. Did the vitamins along with the drinking give me The Hepatitis C? and is it possible my body will cleanse itself of the Hep C.My doctor is getting me an appointment with a Gastro--- Doc.. I have not had a test for viral load test yet. This new Doc. will probally do this test. Also I do not have a family history of this.I`m a member of the military and had my physical exam w/blood tests in april of 02 all was fine,normal,no diease Any Adice and what do you think my next move should be?
Thanks
SgtMac
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Aug 22, 2004 12:00AM
, Aug 22, 2004 12:00AM
There are various routes of transmission of hepatitis C. They can be transmitted if:
# you ever injected street drugs, as the needles and/or other drug "works" used to prepare or inject the drug(s) may have had someone else's blood that contained HCV on them.
# you received blood, blood products, or solid organs from a donor whose blood contained HCV.
# you were ever on long-term kidney dialysis as you may have unknowingly shared supplies/equipment that had someone else's blood on them.
# you were ever a healthcare worker and had frequent contact with blood on the job, especially accidental needlesticks.
# your mother had hepatitis C at the time she gave birth to you. During the birth her blood may have gotten into your body.
# you ever had sex with a person infected with HCV.
# you lived with someone who was infected with HCV and shared items such as razors or toothbrushes that might have had his/her blood on them.
It is unlikely that alcohol and the vitamins by itself could give you hepatitis C.
The next step would indeed be a GI referral to obtain the viral load. A liver biopsy can be considered to determine if there is any further damage to the liver. Based on the information of these tests, treatment can then be considered.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
# you ever injected street drugs, as the needles and/or other drug "works" used to prepare or inject the drug(s) may have had someone else's blood that contained HCV on them.
# you received blood, blood products, or solid organs from a donor whose blood contained HCV.
# you were ever on long-term kidney dialysis as you may have unknowingly shared supplies/equipment that had someone else's blood on them.
# you were ever a healthcare worker and had frequent contact with blood on the job, especially accidental needlesticks.
# your mother had hepatitis C at the time she gave birth to you. During the birth her blood may have gotten into your body.
# you ever had sex with a person infected with HCV.
# you lived with someone who was infected with HCV and shared items such as razors or toothbrushes that might have had his/her blood on them.
It is unlikely that alcohol and the vitamins by itself could give you hepatitis C.
The next step would indeed be a GI referral to obtain the viral load. A liver biopsy can be considered to determine if there is any further damage to the liver. Based on the information of these tests, treatment can then be considered.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
