Post-tx immune issues

Dr. Dieterich:

Since obtaining SVR (~3 years ago) my red and white counts hover at sub-normal to low-normal - with both remaining rather below baseline pre-tx.

My thoughts on this are as follows: interferon, as a strong immune modulator, can in some cases drastically change the structure of one's immune system - and therefore functionality. It's possible that my white and red production are now suppressed as a result of over-stimulation via the interferon. Bottom line - the immune system I came to tx with may very well not be the same one that I carry today.

I am considering testing of cyctokines and TNF-alpha. Would you consider this a prudent course? And what are your thoughts on immune system changes, post-tx? Would there be any specialist (e.g. - immunologist, hemotologist, Mayo, etc.) with practical expertise in post-interferon immune system issues?


Thank you for taking the time to answer these matters.


David

[Douglas Dieterich, MD]

We have seen low counts for a year or so after interferon treatment, but they usually recover. If they are not drastically low and you are not getting infections, then I would not worry about it. You could see an immunologist, but if your immune function was an issue you would have seen something by now. Maybe your counts are lower because they are no longer stimulated by your HCV. Congrats on your  Cure!
DTD

[Marik527]

A related discussion, Constant Cough was started.