Aa
Follow Up Question Re: Lab Results
Dr - this is a follow up question to my post from yesterday ("Concern Re: HIV Exposure & Understanding Test Results"). I recently received lab results for a fairly extensive workup, and a few numbers have me concerned:
* Total Testosterone Level: 248 ng/dL (normal range given as 250-1100 ng/dL); measured by LCMSMS
* Free Testosterone Level: 61.4pg/mL (normal range given as 35-155 pg/mL) -- seems in range but low
AND
Cholesterol, Total @ 247 (normal range 125 - 200 mg/dL)
Triglycerides @ 413 (normal range <150 mg/dL)
AND
Albumin / Globulin Ration @ 2.2 (normal range given as 1.0 - 2.1) - note both Albumin and Globulin listed as "in range" separately, though Albumin on the higher end of that range @ 4.9 (high normal indicated as 5.1 g/dL)
CBC counts all seemed in range
* white @ 5.6 thousand / uL
* red @ 4.49 million / uL
* hemoglobin @ 14.6 g/dL
* hematocrit @ 43.3%
* platelet count @ 160
* neutrophils @ 62.4%
* lymphocytes @ 28.8% (absolute @ 1613)
Given these, I have two questions:
1.) Given my course of nPEP for 30 days (Kaletra + Truvada), are these types of out of range figures for these tests somewhat normal? I am concerned as I've been off PEP now for 9 weeks when these blood samples were taken. If this is related to nPEP, should I expect the labs to fall more in line over time now that I'm off?
2.) You reassured me that the most recent STD screens (including HIV) were conclusively negative (whew!), and I'm further assuming that for HIV to have an impact on testosterone levels that more time than 13 weeks post-infection would be required to create this kind of impact on testosterone generation. Can I be at peace with that logic? I don't have any baseline data on my total testosterone levels, but the fact that they are so low has me worried.
Appreciate your further response (I've donated again out of gratitude) and hope your response can clear my mind. Regardless, I know that I likely need to do something soon to get my Cholesterol under control.
* Total Testosterone Level: 248 ng/dL (normal range given as 250-1100 ng/dL); measured by LCMSMS
* Free Testosterone Level: 61.4pg/mL (normal range given as 35-155 pg/mL) -- seems in range but low
AND
Cholesterol, Total @ 247 (normal range 125 - 200 mg/dL)
Triglycerides @ 413 (normal range <150 mg/dL)
AND
Albumin / Globulin Ration @ 2.2 (normal range given as 1.0 - 2.1) - note both Albumin and Globulin listed as "in range" separately, though Albumin on the higher end of that range @ 4.9 (high normal indicated as 5.1 g/dL)
CBC counts all seemed in range
* white @ 5.6 thousand / uL
* red @ 4.49 million / uL
* hemoglobin @ 14.6 g/dL
* hematocrit @ 43.3%
* platelet count @ 160
* neutrophils @ 62.4%
* lymphocytes @ 28.8% (absolute @ 1613)
Given these, I have two questions:
1.) Given my course of nPEP for 30 days (Kaletra + Truvada), are these types of out of range figures for these tests somewhat normal? I am concerned as I've been off PEP now for 9 weeks when these blood samples were taken. If this is related to nPEP, should I expect the labs to fall more in line over time now that I'm off?
2.) You reassured me that the most recent STD screens (including HIV) were conclusively negative (whew!), and I'm further assuming that for HIV to have an impact on testosterone levels that more time than 13 weeks post-infection would be required to create this kind of impact on testosterone generation. Can I be at peace with that logic? I don't have any baseline data on my total testosterone levels, but the fact that they are so low has me worried.
Appreciate your further response (I've donated again out of gratitude) and hope your response can clear my mind. Regardless, I know that I likely need to do something soon to get my Cholesterol under control.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
Thank you again for your new post.
Of all those results, the only ones that might be clinically significant are the cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as testosterone.
1.) It is unusual to have such levles of lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) after only 4 weeks of PEP. It is true indeed that anti-retroviral medication can affect the liver and casue elevation in the lipids, but this usually happens when patients have been taking this medication long term and not after only a month. However it is still possible and I would recommedn that you keep monitoring this.
2) There is no need for you to be concerned about HIV. It is confirmed that you are negative. In your case, the reduced testosterone levels are not related to HIV, and as you say this would happen after years of living with HIV. I beleive that your testosterone levels are unrelated. There are many factors that can have an impact on testosterone production and you shoud have it monitored and seek medical advice, especially if it is having an impact on your libido and erections.
Best wishes,
Dr José
Thank you again for your new post.
Of all those results, the only ones that might be clinically significant are the cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as testosterone.
1.) It is unusual to have such levles of lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) after only 4 weeks of PEP. It is true indeed that anti-retroviral medication can affect the liver and casue elevation in the lipids, but this usually happens when patients have been taking this medication long term and not after only a month. However it is still possible and I would recommedn that you keep monitoring this.
2) There is no need for you to be concerned about HIV. It is confirmed that you are negative. In your case, the reduced testosterone levels are not related to HIV, and as you say this would happen after years of living with HIV. I beleive that your testosterone levels are unrelated. There are many factors that can have an impact on testosterone production and you shoud have it monitored and seek medical advice, especially if it is having an impact on your libido and erections.
Best wishes,
Dr José
Dr - thank you again for your sage input. My head is clear now, and I'm moving forward. I will continue to monitor both my chol and testosterone levels to ensure overall health but will rest assured knowing that neither is likely related to any STD infection or anti-retroviral medications.
You are reading content posted in the HIV - International Forum
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.
