Elevated Enzymes

When admitted to the hospital for other reasons I was told I tested positive for Hepatitis C. After weeks of shock and getting a letter from the Health Department letting me know that it had been reported to them, my PCR came back normal and that Dr told me there was no reason to do anymore tests and that I did not need a liver biopsy. After losing about 25 pounds and trying to live a more healthy lifestyle a routine blood test showed elevated enzymes and 4 weeks later elevated more to 4 times the normal ranges. When my family doctor discusses this with me he refers to my condition as "having the Hepatitis C antibody". I had a blood transfusion in 1970 following childbirth. Should I be concerned? What does reporting to the Health Department mean if I have the antibody but not Hepatitis C, or does this mean the same thing? I am confused but want to be cautious.  


This discussion is related to High Liver Enzymes Quick Change.

[JennyPenny]

Having the antibody but no virus in the blood usually means that you were exposed to the virus and your body fought it off without treatment. The confusing part of what is happening to you is why your liver enzymes remain high. Just having the antibody to hep C should not cause elevated enzymes. You probably should have the viral load test (PCR) repeated to make sure you do not have virus in your blood as well as the antibody. Apprfoximatgely 10% of patients who got blood transfusions before 1992 are at risk for having hepatitis C virus. If I were you, I would see either a hepatologist or a gastroenterologist and find out if you need to explore the reasons for the elevated enzymes any further. There are tons of reasons for having elevatecd enzymes from things as simple as taking a tylenol to having an alcoholic drink. But there are also more serious reasons such as autoimmune hepatitis, etc.

Reporting to the Health Department is required in some states and means nothing. Don't worry about that.

[newleaf09]

I agree with Jenny.  You were exposed but got rid of it on your own.  The antibodies will always be there.  Having it reported is no big deal; just a policy.

When mine were found to be high, they tested me for a number of other diseases that could cause your enzymes to be elevated and were also looking for a heart attack.  I recall that one of the diseases was Celiac's disease, an allergy to wheat gluten.

If PCR came back with no virus, your doc will want to do some more bloodwork to find out why they stay so high.  It's a good idea to follow it all up.