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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Hepatitis C??? ME?!?!?!?!?
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.
Hepatitis C??? ME?!?!?!?!?
by marie255, Jun 02, 2003 12:00AM
Hi,
Until last month, I thought I was a perfectly healthy
48 year old woman. When I went to the doctor for a minor
problem, routine blood tests led to the diagnosis
of hepatitis C. I’ve never been in any of the high risk
groups. My best guess is that I got it in my twenties,
when I was very sexually active.
I have an appt with a specialist in ten days but would
like some general info before I see him. I’m already tired
of doing research. From what I’ve read,
peginterferon+ribaviren is the best therapy.
My AST is 40; ALT is 59. All other tests are normal. I
have no symptoms, none. I feel perfectly fine (and wish
I’d stayed away from the doctor. I could have treated
that bladder infection with my husband’s leftover Bactrim).
Question 1: Just how elevated is my ALT? Slightly, moderately, through the roof?
Question 2: Would an otherwise very healthy person like me be put on those toxic drugs?
Question 3: If drugs are appropriate, would it hurt to delay them for about four months (maybe longer), until I’m past the denial stage and can deal with those awful side effects?
Thanks,
Marie
Until last month, I thought I was a perfectly healthy
48 year old woman. When I went to the doctor for a minor
problem, routine blood tests led to the diagnosis
of hepatitis C. I’ve never been in any of the high risk
groups. My best guess is that I got it in my twenties,
when I was very sexually active.
I have an appt with a specialist in ten days but would
like some general info before I see him. I’m already tired
of doing research. From what I’ve read,
peginterferon+ribaviren is the best therapy.
My AST is 40; ALT is 59. All other tests are normal. I
have no symptoms, none. I feel perfectly fine (and wish
I’d stayed away from the doctor. I could have treated
that bladder infection with my husband’s leftover Bactrim).
Question 1: Just how elevated is my ALT? Slightly, moderately, through the roof?
Question 2: Would an otherwise very healthy person like me be put on those toxic drugs?
Question 3: If drugs are appropriate, would it hurt to delay them for about four months (maybe longer), until I’m past the denial stage and can deal with those awful side effects?
Thanks,
Marie
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jun 04, 2003 12:00AM
, Jun 04, 2003 12:00AM
Hello - thanks for asking your question.
The range of the ALT in females is 5-38. With your ALT of 59 it is mildly elevated.
The decision to treat for hepatitis C depends on a variety of factors - including the level of your ALT and the progression of the disease. As a general rule, patients who are considered for treatment should have histologic (i.e. via liver biopsy) and virologic evidence of chronic infection (i.e. HCV RNA detectable in serum) and an elevated serum ALT.
Thus, further testing needs to be performed as to whether you are a candidate for therapy (i.e. peg-interferon/ribaviron). This would include a biopsy to determine progression of the disease and a viral genotype to determine which type of hepatitis C you have.
If on biopsy you do not have liver damage from the hepatitis, then periodic observation is an option.
Treatment for hepatitis C is a serious commitment and should be discussed and evaluated with your gastroenterologist or hepatologist.
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.
The range of the ALT in females is 5-38. With your ALT of 59 it is mildly elevated.
The decision to treat for hepatitis C depends on a variety of factors - including the level of your ALT and the progression of the disease. As a general rule, patients who are considered for treatment should have histologic (i.e. via liver biopsy) and virologic evidence of chronic infection (i.e. HCV RNA detectable in serum) and an elevated serum ALT.
Thus, further testing needs to be performed as to whether you are a candidate for therapy (i.e. peg-interferon/ribaviron). This would include a biopsy to determine progression of the disease and a viral genotype to determine which type of hepatitis C you have.
If on biopsy you do not have liver damage from the hepatitis, then periodic observation is an option.
Treatment for hepatitis C is a serious commitment and should be discussed and evaluated with your gastroenterologist or hepatologist.
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.
Just wanted to say thanks for your answer. It really helped reduced my worry level until I got my biopsy results. Turns out that "periodic observation" is all I need right now.
God bless you!