Liver biopsy results

I have posted twice on here about my condition. My liver enzymes on 10/4 (when I became jaundice) were ALT and AST 1438. Bilirubin 14. It has been about 6 weeks and my numbers have come done dramatically but still elevated. ALT and AST aeounf 100 and bilirubin at 3.8.

I had my biopsy yesterday. I thought since my numbers are coming down it would be good news. They told me it would take 7-10 days fo rthe results. My GI doctor calls me today and I was floored The patholigst called him to inform him the so far (biopsy tests are not complete) my liver is showing "severe injury". All my blood tests (ANA, HEP A,B,C, SLE, etc. came back negative). The only test the was slightly elevated was the Anti smooth M.

WHy would my liver be showing severe injury if my numbers are coming down? He is getting me into the liver specialist this week at a major hospital in Philadelphia.  He seems very concerned.

I have no idea what the heck is going on with me. Except for extreme fatigue, I am not feeling that bad. Just kind of like I have the flu and achy joints.

Any ideas? Suggestions on what else to be tested for?

[Maari]

Hi I have some informmaion about AIH under Type 1 defined by positive classical, nuclear anitbody and /or smooth muscle antibody so that means +ANA and/ or +ASMA. You can have one or both.

You still may have AIH.  The damage to your liver does not go away just because the LFT's are in the normal range. I was told the liver can regenerate some but it takes time. It's good you are going to be seen by a liver specialist.  Try not to worry too much. Your Doc should be able tell you more, like the grade and stage of you liver. Are you on any meds?

Until you get the final report, you will not know for sure.  The fatigue and joint pain are very fimilar to me. I was dx with
type 1 AIH, in June 04 and am now in remission. Hope you get your answers soon. There are only a few of us here with AIH, but if you have questions please ask.

[DEBMOM]

PBC - they have pretty much ruled this out. I had a doppler of the biliary ducts and 2 ultrasounds. There are no signs of this. But, who knows. They are thinking AIH but my ANA was negative. Wouldn't that rule out autoimmune hep?

[NYgirl]

Liver enzyme levels show how much the liver is currently being killed (when a liver cell dies it release this enzyme that we monitor - the higher the number the more being killed at the moment) but - levels goign down would not mean that the damage that was already DONE to the liver was being UNDONE.

Does that make sense?

My enzymes were elevated before I started treatment for hepC. Now they are normal but I STILL have the stage 3 liver damage that I had before I started treatment.

Just looking at enzymes does not give a clear picture of what is going on unfortunately.

I hope that you get an answer to WHAT is going on with you SOON!