can anyone answer my questions

[indeed001]

Hello
I visited my doctor with symptoms of Jaundice on 14th April 2009.  Following are the results of tests.
Hepatitis A = Non reactive,  Hepatitis B = Non reactive,  Hepatitis E = Non reactive
Hepatitis C…………Reactive,    S/CO…….11.16
HCV by PCR (RNA)……………Detected
Ultrasound Abdomen……..……Hepetomegaly
LFT   Total Bilirubin = 18.95 mg/dl, Direct Bilirubin  = 16.23, AST = 1408 U/L,ALT = 1410 U/L
Alk Phosphate…116 U/L
Latest results of Tests performed on 2nd June 2009 are as follows
HCV by PCR (RNA)……………Detected
LFT   Total Bilirubin = 0.87, mg/dl, Direct Bilirubin  = 0.39, AST = 32 U/L,ALT = 32 U/L
Alk Phosphate…67 U/L
My questions are :-
1. Am I at Acute HCV stage?
2. How long should I wait if my virus is cleared by itself? (Should I wait for 6 months from 14th April 2009)
3. Should I start medication at this stage? (Although my LFT is normal)
4. What further tests I require before starting treatment?
5. Should I take vaccine for Hepatitis A and B prevention?

[franke566]

Thats great to hear and good luck.  Please keep us posted on the outcome franke566

[indeed001]

Hi,
I viseted my Doc today. He advised me to come back to him on 1st October 2009 allong with fresh ALT and PCR test to plan the treatment. He want waiting till 1st october for possible spontaneous clearance .

[newleaf09]

Agree with Frank.  A hepatologist will be up on the latest guidelines for treating acute hep C, like whether to wait and see if you'll be one of the luckiest 20% to clear the virus on your own and what the latest recommended TX (treatment) is for acute cases if you don't clear it. Acute cases are the most likely to clear on their own (most folks get NO symptoms at initial exposure) but it's not guaranteed. It's also a heck of a lot easier to cure recently acute hep c than long term chronic HCV.  Involves a much shorter, less miserable TX time.  He'll order another PCR and if there is no detectable RNA, you are in the clear.

All of these questions can be answered well by a good hepatologist (gastroenterologist specialized in liver disease).  Make the appointment.

Your labs show a classic illustration of an acute case: outrageous AST/ALT and bilirubin numbers, enlarged liver.  Numbers coming back down so nicely means either 1) it's gone or 2) it's slipped into chronic (long term, sticking around to mess up your life) phase.  Don't decide on your own, ask the hepatologist.

[franke566]

You need to get a referral to see a Hepatologist at once. Franke566