Why would my AST and ALT be normal?

[Bill1028]

I was tossed out of the BOC study (waiting to be rolled over into the open label) because I was getting the placebo and was detectable (VL was around 85) at week 12.  My ALT and AST are now normal 6 weeks post tx.  I’m still waiting for the vl.  The first 2 times treating I was undetectable (<5) before 12 weeks and then relapsed at EOT.  Both prior times treating my AST and ALT were slightly above normal during treatment and then spiked into the 90’s 6 weeks post.  Has anyone heard of this happening?

[JennyPenny]

A hallmark of hepatitis C is fluctuating liver enzymes. Approximately 1/3 of hep C patients never have elevated liver enzymes. It usually bodes well for a benign course of the disease, but not always. And it is true that people with endstage liver disease often have normal enzymes.

[Bill1028]

Thanks everyone!

GB and Za, it looks like they will not be ready for the roll over study at the end of April.  I’m scheduled to go in mid May.  They assured me that I’m qualified for the rollover.  Craziness I tell ya!  

My alt and ast are 32 and 36, which is the lowest since I was diagnosed.

Mike, I had normal levels up to 3 years before being diagnosed with hcv and cirrhosis.  They have been elevated for the last 5 years and I was on tx half of the 5 years.  

[IMstacie]

the ALT and AST levels in people with HCV can vary over time and according to my doctor.

[mikesimon]

Some cirrhotic patients show normal liver enzymes. There is little tissue left - mostly scarring - so no enzymes are released. I believe I read that on a reputable source but I don't have a citation to provide.
Mike

[zazza]

I would be interested in knowing the exact readings of your liver enzyme tests. We are many hep C patients who have readings in the so called normal range, although the truth is that they are in fact still elevated. If we did not have hep C, these readings would be in the lower part of the normal range, not in the higher part of the range.

Also, I am thinking, that this tx you never got to UND. When the liver enzymes sky rocket after tx, isn't that because you have kept the virus at an UND level for such a long time? You did not do that this time, you did not relapse, you never reached UND.

When are you getting back on the tx wagon? Soon I think?

Good luck,
Za

[GreatBird]

Good to see you posting. I've been wondering what happened and if you were going to get started treating again. I remember they told you sometime in April.

I'm still hanging in. I think I just did #18. :)

[HCA]

You are having a biochemical remission post treatment-probably indicates no inflammation at present,so a little bit of good news but not terribly significant.