AST Levels in toddler

[lilyjulie]

My 16 month old daughter was admitted to the hospital last week due to high fever, vomiting, multiple seizures and ultimately a diagnosis of pneumonia.  They ran 2 liver function tests.  The first one was taken about 20 minutes after her 3rd seizure and the second test was done the following morning.

The results of her liver function test was that she had elevated AST levels.  It was 70 on the first test and 73 on the second.  Consequently, they are ordering a series of blood tests for Hepatitis A, B, and C as well as HIV.  You can imagine how scared I am, since I don't know too much about Hepatitis.  The doctors said that AST is found in muscles and this could just be  due to the convulsions leaking AST into her blood system. (Does that sound right, or are they just trying to make me feel better?)  However, the doctor said that the 2nd test performed in the morning should have been considerably lower, if that was the case.  

A little history on my daughter, she was adopted from Korea.  She came here at 7 months of age.  She was given the Hepatitis B vaccine at birth and periodically given the series between birth and 6 mos. of age.  She also was tested for Hep. B and HIV at 6 mos of age which were negative.

Could the Birthmom have had Hep. C and given it to her unborn child?  Should they have been able to detect this when testing for Hep. B?  One more question - I read that some chemicals can cause Hepatitis.  I know that the birthmother worked at a cocoonery factory until the second month of pregnancy.  I'm wondering if there was some type of dye or chemical that she was exposed to and could have caused damage to her unborn child in utero.

I'd appreciate your thoughts and what I can expect in the next few weeks as far as tests, etc.  Please excuse my ignorance on this subject.  I'm sure by next week I'll be well informed on it.

Jackie