alcohol consumption genotype3 hepC

[willy71]

please advise of the consequenses of a 37yr old female who drinks 2 or more glasses of wine per night for the last 2 years, and then some who has been diagnosed with HepC Genotype 3. she has recieved NO treatment

the most recent LFT and RNA tests came back false negative, what does that mean??

[IAmTheWalrus]

Thanks, Jim, and good point going right to the basics.

Since Genotype was given in the question, I assumed that more than just an antibody test had been done. I was unaware if the Genotype be determined from the antibody test, but didn't think so (?).  I also can't conceive of any medical team starting TX without the PCR confirmation of diagnosis. Thus my assumptions and two-cents of advice.

Since drinking was pointed out in the question, I wanted to make the point that whatever the TX decision, alcohol consumption would be a serious negative factor affecting the consequences of having HCV.

I'd love to hear the scoop on the false negative test, too.

Willy: Jim is correct, no doctors here. I hope that was clear. It is sometimes taken for granted, but being new, I should have pointed that out.

Thanks,
Brent

[jmjm530]

I think the more important question is whether or not you have Hepatitis C or not.

On what basis where you diagnosed? Was it only on the basis of an antibody test?

Unless at some time you tested positive on an RNA viral load test (PCR) then you most probably do not have Hepatitis C. I also don't understand what you mean that your current RNA is a false negative. Why does your medical team think that?

My guess is that there either is some communication issues between you and your medical team and/or your medical team is confused.

None of us here are doctors, but if you give us specfics as to what the names of the tests you took, the dates, and what were the results -- we might be able to give you more constructive information. If you don't know, then it's a good idea to request your own copies of all tests taken. This should be done anyway.

-- Jim

[IAmTheWalrus]

Your question is a little confusing. A "False Negative" on the RNA test means the test came back negative but there is reason to believe the test result is false. Did the doctor assume this from previous or other testing? Your RNA test should show results in IU/mL (if a quantitative test) and would show positive or negative for a qualitative test.

Also, LFT tests do not return false or positive values. You LFT is a group of tests for liver function that usually consists of the following tests:
ALT (ref: 5 to 40 IU/L)
AST (ref: 10 to 40 IU/L)
ALP (ref: 30 to 120 IU/L)
Total Bilirubin (ref: 2 - 14 μmol/L)
Direct Billirubin (ref: 0 - 4 μmol/L)
GGT (ref: 0 to 51 IU/L)

While waiting for an answer from Dr. D you may want to visit some sites with basic information on HCV that could answer many or all of your questions. Try:

http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/hepatitis_C.asp#1
http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/hepatitis_C.asp#1

IMO the consequences of untreated HCV can be dire or fatal. In the short term there are often little changes or complication. Commonly the disease progresses into cirrhosis or liver failure several decades after infections. Often a person will succumb to some other disease before that happens. Thus the oft repeated mantra from GP physicians, "You will die with HCV not because of it." Clearly this often true, but just as clearly, it often isn't. How fast the disease progresses depends on a lot of individual factors. It is most important to assess the condition of the liver now to help determine ow far the disease has gone. You need a liver biopsy for this. A large needle is used to take a sample of the liver tissue and it is examined under a microscope to determint the condition of the liver cells.

The good news is that being genotype 3, you have a much better chance of successful treatment and a shorter treatment. With the current success rates for curing genotype 3, If I were you, I would not want to go untreated for very long. The question is whether to treat now with the standard of care (Pegasys + Ribavirin) or wait for a newer drug that may be available in years to come.

The key factor to waiting is what condition the liver is in. To determine this, a liver biopsy is necessary.

One huge factor in the progression of disease to liver failure is alcohol consumption. If you have HCV you should drink NO ALCOHOL, NONE. Alcohol is a toxin to the liver. HCV is a disease that causes liver inflamation and damage and compromises the liver's ability to function properly. Adding alcohol to this has been likened to throwing gasoline on a fire.  You can live without the alcohol, you can't do without a liver. End stage liver disease and failure is not a pretty way to exit the planet, either.

Whatever you do: treat now or wait for a newer therapy, please don't drink. I'm sorry if this sounds like a sermon but it represents my best understanding of the problem and recommend course of action.

Best wishes,
Brent