Re: Does a high viral load mean faster deterioration?

Posted By The Coach on May 30, 1999 at 00:33:25
Dear Doctor,
  I was diagnosed with HCV in Jan."99
with no health insurance I am playing the clinic ballgame. Blood tests revealed Viral Load over "6"
million. I have a GI consult appt. in
July. I guess they will schedule biopsy or meds then, I really do not know.
Does a viral load this high mean that
the symptoms, fibrosis, itching, etc. will have a more rapid onset than normal? my enzymes were about 165 (2)
years ago and are now within normal range, any ideas? Thank you for your most appreciated time and consideration.

[HFHSM.D.-D.M.]

Posted By HFHSM.D.-D.M. on June 02, 1999 at 17:48:44

Dear Coach:
Part of the problem is that viral titers of hepatitis C can have some meaning.  Patients with consistently low titers have a better chance of responding to interferon or the combination of interferon and ribavirin than patients with high titers.  Low titers are considered less than 200,000 copies per ml and high titers are considered more than 2 million titers per ml.  However, patients with high titers often still good candidates for therapy and many do respond.  
In addition, there is some correlation between viral levels and the progression of disease.  Its just that the correlation isnt that great.  Overall, youd rather have a low titer than a high one, its just that you cant hang you hat on them.  Plenty of patients with low titers have advanced disease whereas many patients with high titers do not.  
Finally, you have to realize that some clinical labs arent that accurate in determining viral titers plus viral titers can bounce around quite a bit in the same individual and its not clear this means anything.  
Good luck with you situation.   I hope this information is helpful to you.  If you have any additional questions or concerns, you can post them through MEDHELP.  The direct number to our Liver Clinic at Henry Ford is [phone].  At Henry Ford, we have an active group of hepatologists with an interest in the care and research of hepatitis C.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation.  Always check with your personal physician when you have a question physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.











Follow Ups:


Does a high viral load mean faster deterioration? Charlene Rose 6/30/1999
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Re: Does a high viral load mean faster deterioration? HFHSM.D.-D.M. 7/03/1999
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