HCV RNA PCR, Quant testing ?

[dryury]

My wife was tested with Hep C. Probably since childhood from a blood transfusion. She is now 26 yrs. No symptoms at all. Very slightly elevated AST and elevated ALT. Ultrasound of liver was normal. However, she has a count of 956,000 IU/ml in the HCV RNA PCR, QUANT test. What is the meaning and significance of this test? Is there a mortality rate? I read on a web site that if you convert to eu/ml then she is in the low range of viral load. Is this true? Her lab work reads that less than 600 IU/ml is normal? Please provide answers to the significance of this test to her quality of life and life span. She has absolutely no symptoms now or anytime in the last 26 years. Thank you so much. Please email me as I don't know how to access this site again or call.

Yury         ***@****      [phone]

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Erin, GI PA has kindly answered your questions in the comments below and I agree with her assessment.

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.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[GI.PA]

Your wife has confirmed Hepatitis C.  The HCV RNA PCR is simply a test to see how much virus is in her system.  She is on the low-medium side as far as how much is there.  You must note that this has absolutely no determination in how severe here disease is or how severe it may become.  Most patients with Hep C have very little, if any symptoms except for a mildly elevated ALT or AST.

STATS:  80% of patients with Hep C will die of something else (heart problems, lung problems, car accidents ect).  20 % will develop cirrhosis (severe liver scarring).  Of those with cirrhosis, 20% will develop liver cancer or liver failure.

This is long term, slow-moving disease that usually takes decades to ever progress, if even then.  Your wife should be established with a gastroenterologist who can monitor her status over time and suggest treatment (with interferon and ribavirin) when appropriate.  They may consider a liver biopsy to determine how much damage, if any, has been done to this point.  

GI.PA