Liver Enzymes

[Stepfinder]

I have just finished a 56 week course of pegasys/ribivarin treatment.I have always had elevated liver enzymes and they have actually increased throughout treatment. At 1 month post treatment my alt's stand at 419 and my ast's stand at 358. Bilirubin is within range as is my p/t. I'm not sure yet about my creatin level. I live a very liver friendly lifestyle, don't drink....etc. I have also been undetected since week 12. The only other meds I'm on are synthroid, celexa and atavan. My enzymes were rising before these meds. My AFP test also came back within normal range.

I can't seem to get a straight answer, even from my doctor as to what's going on here.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you
Stepfinder

[odessit]

My ALT/AST normalized by week 24 (22/33 respect), then suddenly shot up to 55/45 at week 30. At the same time I insisted on checking ferritin and iron levels, both came back elevated (ferritin was 3 times normal). Week 36 PCR was negative, as the one at 48 weeks. ALT/AST were just slightly over normal up until the end of tx. My Dr and RN believe it's INF that causing this. Just wanted to share...

[bystander2002]

Calif pointed me up here to your post. (She wants me to use my transplant visit to ask about your enzmes. Not sure what thats about)..
but if I were you I'd take tinas advice, have your iron checked.
high iron can cause your enzymes to rise. Its a pretty common problem with hep c.

[tina-b]

My husbands doc suggested that if you are doing alot of physical labor (working those muscles) that it might/could increase your ALT numbers.

[n2cats15]

Hi all.  I am at week 33/48.  My liver enzymes have shot up to 188 from 50 in 2 weeks.  The clinic had me repeat the tests the next day to check for lab error.  But my enzymes were 177.  Nothing else has changed medically.  I am not on any new meds, am not taking tylenol or ibuprofen.  I have been under an unusual amount of stress lately.  My wonderful 10 year old grandson is visiting us for the month of August.  I've lost 2 dogs and 2 cats in the last 3 months (2 of them last week).

Is it possible that stress  - which affects everything - can cause this blip?  My hepatologist isn't concerned - yet.  I will have my 2 week labs drawn again in a couple of days.  Any suggestions?  Thanx!

[Califia]

I've been thinking and puzzling about your situation all weekend.  Talk about your basic counter-intuitive situation!    No wonder your doctor has no ready explanation.  Truly one for the heppers' Guiness Book of Records, but I'm sure that's an honor you could do without....  

If you have the time and financial resources to do it, it might not hurt to pursue a 2nd and 3rd opinion.    Something is causing an inflammatory response, but what?   Scan and/or ultrasound should be performed asap.  Frankly, I'm surprised your doc didn't do that right off the bat.   Methinks he/she's being a bit overly casual here.

I'm looking for research and coming up empty thus far.  Will keep you posted if I find anything you can take to the bank.

[Plutonium-kid]

Did you do a post Tx PCR assay? If so, what were the results?
If not, I think you have one done ASAP to verify the success of your Tx.

Good Luck...
The Kid

[tina-b]

What are your iron and ferritin levels?