Elevated iron values, ALT and AST values.

[hipp]

Hallo everybody,
I need your advice about elevated iron values, ALT and AST values. I started pegasys + ribavirin (1200) therapy at April 22nd. I use antioxidans daily as is recommended in enormous numbers of web sites for HCV C. Here are my lab tests I toke at beginning of therapy: AST-40 ALT-53 Iron-14.2. I am now in 7th week of therapy. Here are results of my second lab test I toke in May 21st: Iron-31.5 Hemoglobin-110. Feritin-762 ug/L (20-300ug/L)
Here are lab test results of June 1st: AST-60 ALT-83 Iron-24.5 Hemoglobin-105. Now here is a question. I am concerned cause read lots of different opinions about higher levels of ALT, AST and iron levels. As you can see from my lab results both of them (ALT and AST) are elevated (iron also). Is this elevation of ALT and AST caused by elevated iron levels or do I have to worry about hemofylic anemia? I am confused and concerned because I read about bad consequences of elevated ALT, AST levels at the therapy (viral response). What should I do? I continue to use antioxidans.
Here is another question related to B12 vitamin I heard is very good and recommended for use during the therapy. Some people say that taking B12 shots can raise levels of hemoglobin and the same effect has as folic acid.
I apologize for my amateur English grammar & vocabulary.
Thank you for your answer.

[cindee]

hipp, hi! I'm not up to #'s....I see you've had a few answers, I hope they've helped you. I did 48 wks @ relapsed. My old doc wasn't up to speed on hep, unfortantately I found that out tooooooo late! But I am starting tx. again in about 4 months or so. And with A NEW "DR.WONDERFUL". I explained to him @ our 1st visit on May21st about my old doctor not explaining #'s to me, and by the time I found this GREAT site...I was so far into tx that I just GAVE up on my #'s. My new doctor has already done 2 rounds of blood work...lab is in his office, another PLUS and he did my bx last Tues. He IS going to teach me all about #'s. I see him again on the 23rd...for all of my results. I will be doing a clinical trial study...everything FREE!!!!! A BIG PLUS! He will be studying me....I was EVR ..early viral responder, and undectable thoughtout 1st tx. Then when I finished, and I did 100% of 48 wk tx., I relapsed! But don't let that worry you. You will read a lot of GOOD NEWS....people are "clearing" this virus everyday! And always remember...everyone re-acts differently to these meds.

I hope to bring a lot of info to everyone on this forum..which is the GREATEST!!!!! I also hope to help not only myself get rid of this horrible disease, but to also help others...in my quest for a virus free life!!!!

I wish you the best and keep those questions coming....you'll be helping a lot of people in the long run, and people here are so happy to help!!!!! Love @ Prayers, Cindee

[tina-b]

Have they tested you for hemochromatosis? They probably shouldn't treat it during tx even if you have it.

[honey1616]

Alot of times,,the treatment does raise alt/ast levels and yours didn't look that much of increase.  Your hemoglobin is 10.5 right now?  If that is the case,,,not too bad and just needs to be monitored,  Mine at one time got way below 10 and then came back up.  Your ferritin level is high and was it high before you started tx?  Your best bet is probably to call your drs office on monday and go over some of these concerns with him so he can address them.  Good Luck to you!