Chronic Hepatitis

[SDEEL]

I have a question about hepatitis.  I have been tested for Hep B to only find out the test I took only detects acute.  What would cause someone to go from acute to chronic?

I have always been very healthy but here lately have had pain in my stomach.  On my own I got tested for Hep B using a Hep B Core AB, Igm (I was also tested for Hep C).  From what I read this test for acute only.  My doctor said that one of my liver emzymes is high and is testing me again.  My last test was last week.  It was negitive.  I had unprotected sex with a CWS one year ago and oral six months ago.

What is your thougths?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No, the presence of hepatits C should not effect your blood test. EWH

[SDEEL]

Doctor

I just found out I am positive for Hep C.  Would this have an impact on my HIV test (23 weeks after exposure).  The test was an oral at a medical clinic.
I also had a PCR test 6 weeks after exposure and a blood antibody after 15 weeks (on line testing company sent me to Labcorp).

[Edward W Hook, MD]

There are many causes of chronic hepatitis, however you do not know that you have it.  You certainly do not need a compromised immune system to have hepatitis, chronic or otherwise.  I think you need to have the tests your doctor is taking, then expect him to answer your questions. If he won't answer your questions, in my opinion, you need another doctor.  Part of the job is explaining what is going on to patients.  EWH

[SDEEL]

What would cause (if any) someone to have chronic hepatitis?  Reading about it you would need to have a compromised immune system.

My doctor is scheduling a full panel and several other blood test along with an ultrasound but did not seem to be concerned base on symptoms.  He thinks it could be fat in my liver.

My symptoms are mainly a cramping feeling a few times a day.  No real pain when my liver is pushed on. No fever, no vomiting, some stomach upset, stool and urain fine.  My doctor was not available for me to ask these questions.
Thank you for your time.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

elcome to our Forum. I'll be glad to help.  Typically, when we are testing for hepatitis we order what is called a "Hepatitis panel" which tests for antibodies to hepatitis A and C, as well as hepatitis B surface antigen (abbreviated HBSag) and hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAB) and antibodies to the hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAB).  this test will detect nearly all cases of both acute and chronic hepatitis.  Perhaps your doctor has already ordered these tests or could.

I would add that there are many, many causes of hepatic damage ("hepatitis" which means liver inflammation) including chemicals, alcohol, being overweight, etc.   When people have viral hepatitis, more often than not they have multiple liver enzyme abnormalities, not single ones.

I hope these comments are helpful.  EWH