Don't ALT/AST's normally come down during tx?

Thursday will be my last shot and this is just something that bothers me really bad. They have not fell throughout tx at all...if anything they have increased. ALT=156 and AST=87 last blood work. I know thats not real high as I have seen some here in the 200+ area. Just curious as to what exactly that means...I have heard that AST/ALT tests are used for way more than just checking for healthy/non-heathly livers. Any comments? Thanks

[mremeet]

It's not uncommon for those undergoing treatment to sometimes have elevated enzymes. From what my doctor told me, it's usually nothing to be overly concerned about (within reason, of course). It does not necessarily mean the meds aren't working, nor that your liver is self destructing. You can be completely UND, well on your way to an SVR and still have elevated enzymes. And they might even stay elevated (or fluctuate up and down) during the whole course of treatment. Apparently these elevations are much more common on Pegasys IFN than they are in PegIntron IFN. For instance, my enzymes have remained elevated during most of my treatment, and I know I was undetectable (down to 2 copies) at least at one point during that time. The same is true for many others, so as long as your doctor is aware of it and you're being PCR tested periodically (hopefully with reassuring results), I wouldn't worry too much about it.

[GrandOak]

I agree with mremeet and have been told that because the meds are also processed by the liver, own would expect the LFT's to be slightly elevated.

[sunspot]

Mine started slightly high and dropped into the normal range mid-way in tx and then started to rise. By the end of tx, they were way higher than pre-tx. Six weeks post tx, my tests were in the middle of the normal range. I was quite nervous about that whole mess but it resolved itself with time.
Best to you, Dana

[mkeela]

Thanks you guys, just needed some reasurance I guess.  :)

[avidreader]

Mine started in the mid 200's and during treatment never went below the mid 100's. I was undetected at my 3 month post treatment PCR and while my alt and ast levels remained slightly elevated but they were finally approaching "normalcy." We'll see what the  6 most post treatment PCR brings. Good luck.