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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
SHOULD I GET A LIVER BIOSPY TEST NOW OR WAIT UNTIL LATER
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.
SHOULD I GET A LIVER BIOSPY TEST NOW OR WAIT UNTIL LATER
by Notalrightind, May 06, 2004 12:00AM
I was dionosis with HCV Oct 23, 2003. I am a 60 year old woman. At the time I had and still have diabetes(insulin dependent,high chlesterol) I continue to loose weight from 151lbs to 128lbs today. The physican assistant who handle my case said at first my SGOT is 310,SGPT is 542 to high. She said something was sending my liver enzymes up. In March I was taken off all medicine and my Insulin changed to Lantus insulin.
On Tuesday May 3, 2004 I had an appointment to see my Physician Assistant. She said I was Genotype 1a, suggest I take therapy with interferon for 48 weeks. I got very upset feeling this drug will make me very sick and week. I don't know if I can get 48 weeks off work. She also suggest I get a Liver Biospy. I am very scared and confussed. Will getting this Liver Biospy open up more medical problems for me? She told me to have someone drive me to the hospital and stay with me, and drive me home.
What the next steps for me? Please help me I am very scared and confussed.
Notalrightind
On Tuesday May 3, 2004 I had an appointment to see my Physician Assistant. She said I was Genotype 1a, suggest I take therapy with interferon for 48 weeks. I got very upset feeling this drug will make me very sick and week. I don't know if I can get 48 weeks off work. She also suggest I get a Liver Biospy. I am very scared and confussed. Will getting this Liver Biospy open up more medical problems for me? She told me to have someone drive me to the hospital and stay with me, and drive me home.
What the next steps for me? Please help me I am very scared and confussed.
Notalrightind
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, May 06, 2004 12:00AM
, May 06, 2004 12:00AM
I agree with the liver biopsy. With the diagnosis of hepatitis C as well as the elevated liver enzymes, the liver biopsy is the appropriate next step. This test can evaluate for prognosis of the disease as well as assessing the extent of liver injury.
As with any procedure, there is always risk - in this case, bleeding as well as infection. However, with the information in your case, it would be a reasonable option.
The next step would be to discuss any questions you have with your gastroenterologist, then discuss whether the liver biopsy should be considered. Based on the results, a treatment regimen (i.e. interferon/ribaviron) can be discussed.
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
As with any procedure, there is always risk - in this case, bleeding as well as infection. However, with the information in your case, it would be a reasonable option.
The next step would be to discuss any questions you have with your gastroenterologist, then discuss whether the liver biopsy should be considered. Based on the results, a treatment regimen (i.e. interferon/ribaviron) can be discussed.
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
