What to do?

My brother was found to have HepC five years ago. He was told not to worry about it but now is feeling very ill.   He is geno 1A, viral load 3,500,000, ALT low 80's, AST low 90's(I don't know what these two mean), platelet count 59,000.  His spleen has not been removed and he takes a statin drug for high cholesterol.  He been told that he is not a candidate for treatment for the HepC because his platelet count is low.  I am trying to help him and need to know what treatment are available so I know what I am talking about when I question why no treatment.  I have been reading all the questions and commets on the forum and 59K doesn't seem to be that low.  Please help!

[krustyj]

Judy...Many years ago i had ITP and my platelet count dropped to
9 thousand which caused bleeding through the skin and mouth...
they gave me platelet transfusions a large syringe that they
injected very slowly...his count is low and the meds do have a
tendency to lower count...however i belive a viral load that high
may be more dangerous to his liver left untreated.Today my platelet count is normal...on my 6th week of interferon and ribavirin....I'm no doctor but i do believe there are drugs that
can bring his count up,in order to start treatment...he should
see a hematoligist and liver specialist....God Bless

[gonagetbetr]

wow the platelets!!!!
mine are low also last test 64 thousand
started tx last week there is a study below that was posted by trihepguy regarding platelets and vioxx
very informative print it and take it to your doc see what he says
my doc would not do a bx but did start tx
maybe see a specialist as krusty suggests i thinnk that would be benificial to him and you

good luck to you and your brother
be well

[cindee]

I cannot give you any advise on the problem your brother is having. My 1st doctor never taught me about my #'s, but I do start tx again soon, as I have relapsed after doing my 1st tx for 48 wk. I am geno 1A. I do have a new doctor and he is wonderful...he will be teaching me all about my #'s. Taht's why I cannot give advise on this....but I CAN @ I WILL SAY SPECIAL PRAYERS FOR HIM. I hope you @ he can find answers to your questions....I'm sure someone w/ knowledge of this will come to your aid soon. There are so many "SMART" people on this forum. So stay w/ us here and we will help all we can. I wish you both the best. I will pray for God's speed on your answers. I'm am sending you both MUCH LOVE @ MANY PRAYERS, Cindee

[ts2010]

I believe that statin drugs do have a tendency to raise liver function tests such as ALT and AST in some individuals.  As far as the platelet count the following two items are from a Pegasys (a drug used for hepatitis C treatment) data sheet:

Pegasys should be used with caution in patients with baseline platelet count <75,000.

Dose reduction to 90 mcg is recommended if the platelet count is less than 50,000.

The numbers given above seem to indicate that your brother might be a candidate for treatment however I am not a doctor.  I would suggest that he ask his doctor for a detailed explanation as to why he is not a candidate for treatment and to get a second opinion from a qualified hepatologist or gastroenterologist.