Bloodwork Question?

[bob528]

As I am new to this forum, I find out by reading other peoples posts that it seems that a lot off you guys know more than my last G.I. Dr. Can anyone tell me what it means when your IGG serum is high,MCH levels are high,C3 and C4 levels are low. Also, after failing tx last year (29weeks)never became undetectable and stopped. Genotype 1a with stage 3 fibrosis can I have chirrosis by now? My alt and ast are in the 40's,platelets are in range,my ammonia levels came down to 68 from 87. Looking for a hepatologist .

[SusieS2010]

IgG antibodies are found in all body fluids. They are the smallest but most abundant of the antibodies, they normally make up 75% to 80% of all the antibodies in the body. IgG antibodies are important antibodies for fighting bacterial and viral infections. It is fairly common to have these antibodies when fighting HCV.

MCH has to do with your red blood cells and hemoglobin. If your doctor did not mention doing further testing he is rather sure that it is not a problem. Many many things can cause this.

Low levels of C3 and C4 have to due with the immune system. They are usually low when fighting an infection (hep C) or when there is inflammation. Many doctors test their hep C patients for these levels as hep C can cause autoimmune disorders. Again, if he is not wanting to do further testing he probably thinks it is nothing to worry about. My levels have been low at times as well. This usually happens when I get joint and muscle pain from the hep C.

While it is impossible for anyone to tell you whether you have cirrhosis without a biopsy pr possibly one of the non-invasive tests like the fibroscan, platelets are often the first thing you notice drop below normal. Since your platelets are normal that is a good sign.

[HectorSF]

Only a doctor that exams you and performs appropriate tests can tell you if you what the status of your liver disease is or if you have cirrhosis. Most of the blood levels you have posted have nothing to do with the liver. Not sure why they were taken or why you posted them. Maybe you have illness that you haven't mentioned? The only value that is not within norms is ammonia. Only in the final stage of liver disease does ammonia levels become an issue from liver disease. Higher than norm ammonia levels can be caused by many illnesses besides liver disease. -
Congestive heart failure
Gastrointestinal bleeding - usually in the upper GI tract
Genetic diseases of the urea cycle
Hyperthermia
Leukemia
Liver failure
Muscle exertion

Your previous doctor treated you for 29 weeks and you never became undetectable? This not proper treatment protocol for anyone and ended up wasting your time and money with no hope of curing your hepatitis. You need to find a new doctor who is experienced working with patients that have chronic hepatitis C. Who can assess your health and manage proper treatment in hopes of cure your hepatitis.

Good luck.
Hector

[Gracie_Lue]

Hi, sorry I don't have any great answer for you but figured I'd bump this to try and help you out. Good luck!