I think, TX generally doesn't deteriorate your liver, except on very rare occasions. For instance, I believe you're not suppose to TX during decompenstaed cirrohis.
During the early stages of hepatitis, inflammation in the liver can occur. Tiny scars called fibrosis may begin to develop in an attempt to heal itself. Fibrosis severity is generally measured in stages ranging from zero to four. Stage 1 is considered a small amount of fibrosis. Stages 2 and 3 is considered a greater amount of fibrosis or scarring meaning the disease has progressed. The more fibrosis the harder it is on the liver to carry out it's functions. As the damage progresses further, many scars can form together, which can lead to stage 4, or cirrhosis.
A liver enzyme is released when a liver cell dies. My liver enzymes were almost 300 before I started treatment and now are at about 10 or 15 after I am cured. The liver can regenerate itself and actually heal itself.
While you have the virus this is unlikely to happen as the virus is busy destroying off the liver leading to fibrosis and cirrhosis and in extreme conditions end stage liver disease which can only be fixed via transplant.
So in effect - the best way to improve your liver condition with this virus is to kill the virus.
That is why we do treatment.
This is listed on the safety infomation for Pegasys on Copegus but please note it says "rarely".
Liver problems (rarely, liver function worsens) including an increased chance of liver failure in patients with cirrhosis. Patients with both the hepatitis C virus and HIV have an increased chance of liver failure during PEGASYS treatment. Change in a blood test that measures liver inflammation occurs more often in patients with hepatitis B. If you have a rise in this blood test you may need to be watched more closely with additional blood tests. Severe liver damage can lead to death
No. We wouldn't go through 48 or more weeks of misery to get rid of the virus if it make the liver worse.
Diane