Very High ALT (2230)) & AST (1100)... HELP ***

[ChuChu21]

Seeking for Answers for Hep. B   My husband's ALT (SGPT) is 2230 and AST (SGOT) is 1100.  
He was born with Hep. B and previous ALT AST was around 200.

What treatment are available on the market?  
What kind of Dr. should I seek for?  
He's currently in China's Hospital and I'm scared.   What can I do in US for him?



Any reply would help.

ChuChu21

[cajim]

Is this really right for him?

Answer:  Your doctor is accurate that entecavir is positively regarded and so used.

[ChuChu21]

The test result came back from TW... and the Dr recommand entecavir.  


Dr's Quote:
"some mouse developed cancer during trial but it was approved by FDA anyways.  However; for the past 4 years, no human developed cancer from the drug."

Is this really right for him?


Best,
ChuChu21

[stevenNYer]

I'm sorry to hear of your husband situation.

At this point, I don't think they would let your husband travel, except if it's to get treatment.  If he's being treated in Taiwan, then he's in good hands.  Taiwan does a good amount of research on HepB.

We've been advocating for those with chronic HepB to monitor their disease so to prevent it from becoming severe.

Unfortuately, it's really hard to learn everything in a short time without proper disease history.

At this point, all you could now is wait until your husband's doctors run the appropriate tests to determine disease status and the extend of his liver damage.

My guess is that they will do a liver biopsy (especially since he has a family history of liver cancer) and perhaps start him on medication to control viral replication and give the liver a chance to recover.

[cajim]

I think your husband needs the monitoring and treatment from doctors.  You could help yourself and him by educating yourself.  Below are some beginning websites:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hepatitis-b/DS00398
www.hepb.org

I wish I could help more.  My knowledge is limited.  My heart is with you.

[zellyf]

I'm so sorry you are going through this.  I think your husband's situation is beyond my understanding of Hep B.  I know that it is possible to have flares of Hep B...where the virus becomes very active again.  The important thing is that he is where he needs to be now with people who can help him.  I wish you all the best.

[ChuChu21]

Thank you for your input.   My husband is now on the plane to Taiwan for temp. treatment.  I am still trying to gain knowledge to help during his treatment when he returns to US.  

When would be a good time for him to return?  

His current symptom:  Visible Yellow Skin, Vomiting, Back Pain, Sleepless, Stomach Gas Pain.  It's been 2 weeks since visible symptoms.  

Lastly,  Is Hep. B a severe problem?  How severe is it?  
His family has history of liver cancer.  I'm crying as I am writing this, please HELP ME understand this.  

All the online terms and medical explinations are not making much sense to me.  What can I do for him?  


ChuChu21

[cajim]

HepB is not uncommon in Taiwan.  The medical circle there is at home with treatment of this disease and Taiwan is well connected with the industrialized countries.  Whatever treatment and medication available in the US must also be available in Taiwan.  Given that your husband is weak now, it may be better for him to be treated in Taiwan.

Hope this helps.

[ChuChu21]

Thank you all for replying my message,

I have been calling the hospitals, Doctors, insurance comp, EDD, and on and on... But I am worried because his Hep B was never recorded or monitored in US.  All of this records are in Taiwan.

Should I really ask him to travel 15 hours back here to see a Dr. and not sure what or how they will treat him or not knowing where they will refer him to?  

He is in very bad condition right now and hospitalized.  Is it best for him to stay there and continue his treatment or come back to US?

What are the qualifications for a good hepatologist ?  

What questiones should I ask ?  

Any recomanded Dr. in CA ?  I live in West Covina, Los Angeles County.


Please HELP...

Best,
ChuChu21

[cajim]

What treatment are available on the market?  

They should be patient-specific and his doctor knows what is most appropriate for him.

What kind of Dr. should I seek for?  

A good hepatologist.

What can I do in US for him?

Follow his course.  If his doctor prescribes him lamivudine, which is commonly used in China, ask him if you can supply entecavir from the US.  The latter is newer and more potent and has better resistance profile.

[cajim]

As Ann8 has said, the readings are high.  You need professional help to first find out how they became high and start treatment ASAP.

Best wishes.

[Ann8]

Both ALT&AST are extremely high. Is he on any medication? Has he been monitoring his virus count & what is his HBV status?

You need to find out what causes it to go so high before talking about treatment. You need to find him hepatologist to determine the cause.....