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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Scared...Help...LOTS of Questions???
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.
Scared...Help...LOTS of Questions???
by hcin200111, Feb 04, 2004 12:00AM
Hello..I'm new here. I've tested positive for Hep C antibodies. I probably contracted it from a blood transfusion I had in 1978 for a miscarriage I had. Havent had test yet to see if I still have virus or not. But have had liver enzymes taken and ultrasound to check for gall stones and they did ultrasound of abdomen including liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas and all were normal. Ultrasound said unremarkable (meaning normal?). My LFT and CBC blood test results were as follows:
Hemoglobin 14.7
Hematocrit 44.8
MCH 30.9
MCHC 32.8
RDW 11.9
Platelet Count 220
Total Protein 8.9
Albumin 4.7
Total Bilrubin 0.4
AST 33
ALT 37
White Blood Cell Count 5.9
Red Blood Cell Count 4.76
Sodium 137
Potassium 3.9
Chloride 100
CO2 29
Glucose 76
BUN 10
Creatinine 0.7
Calcium 9.7
DO ANY OF THESE RESULTS INDICATE LIVER DAMAGE? FIBROSIS? CIRROSIS? Since I had probably contracted way back in 1978..wouldnt I have some sort of symptons or indication in blood tests that liver was or is damaged?? Please help!
Also I'm going for a HIDA scan for gall bladder tomorrow..can they also see liver and any liver damage/disease from that?
Thank you :)
Hemoglobin 14.7
Hematocrit 44.8
MCH 30.9
MCHC 32.8
RDW 11.9
Platelet Count 220
Total Protein 8.9
Albumin 4.7
Total Bilrubin 0.4
AST 33
ALT 37
White Blood Cell Count 5.9
Red Blood Cell Count 4.76
Sodium 137
Potassium 3.9
Chloride 100
CO2 29
Glucose 76
BUN 10
Creatinine 0.7
Calcium 9.7
DO ANY OF THESE RESULTS INDICATE LIVER DAMAGE? FIBROSIS? CIRROSIS? Since I had probably contracted way back in 1978..wouldnt I have some sort of symptons or indication in blood tests that liver was or is damaged?? Please help!
Also I'm going for a HIDA scan for gall bladder tomorrow..can they also see liver and any liver damage/disease from that?
Thank you :)
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Feb 05, 2004 12:00AM
, Feb 05, 2004 12:00AM
With normal liver function tests and an unremarable ultrasound, it is unlikely that liver cirrhosis is present. The rest of the lab tests are within grossly normal limits.
If hepatitis C is of conern, you may want to confirm the diagnosis with hepatitis C antibodies. If present, you can then run a quantitative hepatitis C test to determine how much of the virus is present.
To determine whether treatment should be considered for hepatitis, a liver biopsy is normally obtained - this is usually arranged through a gastroenterologist or hepatologist (liver specialist).
The HIDA scan evaluates for gallbladder function - the ultrasound is a better test to evaluate for liver damage.
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.
If hepatitis C is of conern, you may want to confirm the diagnosis with hepatitis C antibodies. If present, you can then run a quantitative hepatitis C test to determine how much of the virus is present.
To determine whether treatment should be considered for hepatitis, a liver biopsy is normally obtained - this is usually arranged through a gastroenterologist or hepatologist (liver specialist).
The HIDA scan evaluates for gallbladder function - the ultrasound is a better test to evaluate for liver damage.
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.
