Lab ALT levels not appropriate range?

   I'm a hep b chronic carrier which was revealed in a standard pregnancy screen 8 years ago. Since that time I have had undetectable viral load and normal lft with one exception of a slight elevation about a year ago. My latest blood work, however, reveals that my dna is now 643 while my lft remains "normal". ALT is 39.

I'm reading that the normal range used at most labs is too high and that a young, smallish woman should have an ALT in the teens. Any insight? Thank you.

[zellyf]

Sorry, one more thing. Are my current levels more troubling than my doctor seems to think? We are doing another round of blood work in three months. I'm feeling a little exhausted from trying to figure all of this out and I'm starting to have trouble coping. Thanks for any help.

[CockSparrow]

Someone without Hepatitis should have ALT levels in ther teens to mid twenties, if they have a healthy liver..
In many cases levels in the 30's can inidate underlying disease such as Fatty Liver and Hepatitis, athough occasional spikes are normal.
I have HepC and my ALTs have been as high as 220, I would be very happy with your ALT level.

I dont know much about HepB but I think your Doc is right as your ALT and VL levels are low still.

Hope this Helps
CS

[zellyf]

Thank you for your reply.  I don't know your situation but I wish you the best.  I would welcome any other responses.

Is there an expectation that my ALT would be in the 30s or 40s even in the absence of detectable DNA, as has been the case in the past. Or does this indicate ongoing damage to my liver?

[CockSparrow]

Those of us with HepB or HepC have a lot in common but the 2 viruses are completely different.
I can only use HepC as a comparision. But yes many with HepC have normal enzymes yet liver damage can still occur. The only way to tell for sure is by having a biopsy.
The HepB virus is a sneaky bugger and I think the term is chronic inactive when undetectable dna I am not sure if HBV still causes liver damage or not when there is undectable dna.
ALT's in the 30s and 40s are pretty low, I'll swap you mine.

Thank you for wishing me well
All the best
CS