Antinuclear antibodies and interferon

[holding_on]

Hi, I've been reading this forum for a while and thought it was about time to introduce myself...  I have genotype 1A, been infected since 1997, have been on 800 mg ribavirin and 180 ug Pegasys since June 1 of this year.  Clear at 12 and 24 weeks.  Before tx I was positive for rheumatoid factor but negative for antinuclear antibodies.  Now, I have a very high titre of ANA.  ANA positivity is strongly associated with many autoimmune conditions, and I am concerned about continuing the tx because of this - I believe the interferon has induced it.  Have any of you had experience with developing ANA while on tx?  If so, did it resolve after discontinuation of tx?  Thanks, and good luck to all of you.

[holding_on]

I've noticed in the last 2 or 3 years my teeth are becoming brittle and are getting tiny chips and cracks.  I've wondered too if this is due to HCV.  I take care of my teeth, and I'm relatively young so I suspect relationship to HCV.

[cuteus]

maybe a combo of things, but they did test my saliva, because they could not figure out why I kept getting so many cavities in such short time. They found no problem and were still puzzled. My guess is HCV made it much worse.

[mythoughts]

You mentioned that your teeth are deteriating rapidly. DEo you attribute this to Hep, genetics, poor oral care or something else? Thanks!

[cuteus]

on the RA subject; I tested positive on the ANA, and sedimentation rate after my last baby was born, come to think of it, most joint problems started about then which makes me wonder if I was infected by the blood i received after labor or if it was risky behavior...I was tested for sjogren's, RA, Lupus, Lyme, etc. all negative of course, rheumatoid factor has been high for years but not the ANA and sedimentation(that became negative). My teeth have been deteriorating rapidly. Then I found out I had hcv.

I will checked for RA and ANA to see where it stands post tx, TG my aches are not worse off than before tx.  HCV had been creating a lot of havoc in my system through the years...and it seems I was not the only one.

[britgirl]

I just want to comment on a couple of issues that have been brought up on the forum recently, namely, alcohol and drugs. Everything we take is processed through the liver and makes it work hard, so in that sense should be avoided. However, over-the-counter or prescribed medicines also fall into this category, which seems to be a fact some people forget. It's not as if the liver can distinguish between which drug is legal and which isn't. The dangers of cocaine as "Miracle-Grow" for HCV are often commented on in this forum, but what about Ritalin? What about all those ADs, those painkillers (including ibuprofen and paracertemol), Procrit, sleeping aids......I am not advocating alcohol or marijuana for other people, but I just feel we need a bit of consistency here. The same people who are really adverse to drinking/smoking are often swallowing pills on a regular basis and don't worry about the effect on their livers because they were prescribed or bought in  a drugstore. I, personally, would prefer to have glass of wine or a joint to relax than be on ADs, and I don't like to be lectured to by those who may be damaging their livers with what I would call excess medication.

[bwave2u]

there were no more threads left and I kinda need a:'s to my q:
input, help, so on:) I am a 1a, went on peg & reba for 48 weeks. I cleared the darn HCV but after 2 months post tx I started feeling bad again. Had my Dr run a quant and the viral load was coming back full swing. Dr sent me for 2nd opinion and the lady told me she wouldn't treat me cuz I failed 1st go round. Also that I wasn't at my "Ideal" weight and that would hurt my chances at clearing. when I started tx as everyone does I lost ALOT of weight! 75lbs! I am 5'4" and weigh 135 to 138lbs. Why would that have a thing to do with me clearing? especially after I already cleared it once! wouldn't it make more sence to go at this like maybe 48 weeks + rather than standard 48? I don't understand HER standards for tx at all and I sure hope my reg Dr doesn't take her advice. what do any of you think about this? has this happened to anyone else? what do you all think i sould do to get tx? I'm only 39yrs old and I want to get better. It felt GRATE to be virus free even if only for a few months:)
peace:) Kel.

[new-sojourn]

Get a doctor that will re-treat.  The medical profession in general is so ignorant on the latest in hepatitis c treatment that it is criminal or should be.

[mythoughts]

As I was browsing the net for additional confirmation on the French Study I ran across this article.

Hepatitis research

Lucas is also working other intriguing lines of research. He's begun working with Dr Diana Sylvestre of the University of California, San Francisco, to study how cannabis might increase the success of Interferon treatment for hepatitis-C in intravenous drug users. In a 2002 study, Dr Sylvestre discovered that her study subjects who were smoking pot had a much higher treatment success rate than the non-users.

When Lucas heard of Sylvestre's research, he forwarded the results to Dr Ethan Russo, a neurobiologist who is editor of the Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics.

"Dr Russo suggested that the results may be the attributable to an immunological response," explained Lucas. "If we could prove that cannabis actually had a positive impact on the immune system , we could further defend and justify its medicinal use."

Lucas is now working with Dr Sylvestre and the BC Compassion Club Society (BCCCS), to design an appropriate study. Together, VICS and the BCCCS provide medicine to about 500 patients with hepatitis-C. Lucas anticipates this study being concluded by the Spring.

"If the results of our study show that cannabis has a positive impact on hep-c treatment outcomes, it would not only seriously change the nature of hep-c treatment protocols, but also completely alter the US perception of cannabis as a drug of abuse with no medical value," claimed Lucas. "In other words, our hope is that this research may result in a change of our understanding of this medicinal herb, as well as in the laws currently prohibiting its use."

The VICS plans to start up more studies over the next year, including double-blind studies to test specific strains against various symptoms.

"It is our goal to use our unique knowledge base and membership to oversee more medicinal cannabis research than any other government or private institution in North America," says Lucas.

"This information will not be the property of federal government or pharmaceutical interests; it will be made public so that we can all benefit from a further understanding of cannabis and its incredible medicinal properties."

[Tony-z]

For those of you that are not that familiar with this topic, here is a link that will help explain the test and conditions being talk about..................

<a href="http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/ana/glance.html">Lab test on line</a>

http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/ana/glance.html

                         TonyZ


"Approach everyone you meet as an individual with dignity and a life as complicated and mysterious as your own. Discard preconceptions and suspend, even for a moment, the idea that you "know this type". Do these things and perhaps you might learn the most important lesson that love can teach us: that each person is worthy of our love simply because they are human, and begin from there."

[mythoughts]

Don't give me that it's your liver **** because I don't even smoke pot. I just believe that people should have all of the information available to them before they make an informed decision. I was just trying to prove what you just said - that people can find any study to back up any idea they have......meaning that you are so conservative that you insist pot is bad........based on one study.

And did I miss why "junkie's" are relevent? Who cares if the French study or this other one was based on "junkies'. I'm an ex IV drug user, and so are the majority of people with Hep. What are you trying to say?

The reason why this doctor mentions ex users is b/c she works at a free clinic & again, MOST people who have Hep are ex IV drug users, since that's the easiest way to get it. Also, she specializes in treating people in recovery. But I'm suprised you didn't know that....being that she is the top Hep doctor in the country & you are so very well versed...........

[mikesimon]

Hi Mattie. How are things going? I haven't seen any news and I've been wondering about your husband. I hope everythiing is going well. Mike

[mythoughts]

Yes, I know about the French study. We were discussing it on another site & this one came up. Dr. Sylvestre is one of the most renowned Hep doctors in the country (as I've been told here), so I was just curious what people thought about the conflicting studies.

I, personally, am pro pot or anything that helps you get through tx & improves your quality of life. Maybe the people who smoked tended to not skip or miss dosing or stop tx early due to handling the sides better?

[Tony-z]

I am for medical marijuana use. But I am against the use of marijuana as a recreational drug of choice. I have seen the short and long term affects in my family and friends. This is a stepping stone drug, many of us know this to be true! A drug is a drug, to be used for medicinal purposes only, not recreational use.

Just my opinion..........

                TonyZ

[couchpotato]

I have suffered from headaches ever since I can remember, daily. It was a given. Never any doubt, I would have some degree of head pounding and over the years never got any response from doc's as to the cause. About 10 years ago I was dx with RA, had it from my neck to my toes and living in this rainy weather was hell for me. But now, 3 months post tx, I have realized that I haven't had a headache for...oh... probably 8 months or so!!! And the aches and pains are (so far) gone. Kind of like another miracle.

Mattie

[oldhippiechick67]

Thanks man, that really cheered me up!  kiddin, but Chevy, I did have bad pains in my shoulders elbows and wrists prior to tx, and then about 2 or 3 weeks after starting the tx they disappeared!  But sadly, the pains do come back for me here and there, but not as badly.  I am knockin on wood, my PCR is going to be drawn tomorrow, AND CONGRATS on your SVR !!!  WTG GIRL!!
Happy Trails to you,
OHC

[layla]

I had so much pain joint pain for years before dx. They were also occasional dehabilitating but temporary. The last 7 years it just kept increasing and became quite severe amy times. As I mentioned I tested positive for RA factor before tx. I am negative now and pain free. I am 5 month post tx. LL

[indyjo]

Not sure what ANA refers to, so I hope I'm not talking out of my ..., but I developed RA ~25 years ago - about the same time that I contracted Hep C. My hepatologist was very interested in this info, and stated that he feels that there is a correlation between contracting the virus and developing RA. In my case, I have occasional flares that are incapacitaing, but temporary, and I have virtually no joint damage. Anyone ever heard of this so called correlation before?

[oldhippiechick67]

Funny you should bring the ANA thing up....I was curious about it as I got same test back recently, showing slightly elevated RA (rheumatoid arthritis factor) and mildly elevated ANA.  I went to Med Help and looked it up.  The symptoms of lupus (which is the most common reason I GUESS for an elev. ANA) do not fit what I am experiencing.  My PCP called this evening and wants to see me tomorrow, I am not sure what about, but the elev ANA may be why. My RA was slightly elev (25) before Hep C tx, and no change since being on tx, or 4 mo post tx. I dont think they tested for ANA before or during tx.  I am still tired, achy, get short of breath at times and very hard to get up out of a chair or if I sit on the floor, gads, get the crane!  Hope you get some more answers soon, it is very  perplexing. The ringing in my ears hasnt gone away either.  
Take care
OHC

[layla]

I had the same test results and on my last 3 month post tx labs I requested the RA test. It was negative. My hepatologist told me that would most likely happen by my 6 month post tx labs but it happened sooner. LL