The reason my family doc told me to get in to the hepatologist

[kenneltech]

I have a few labs that was sent to me today.  These are the reason that my PCP told me to get in and see the hepatologist, but I  don't understand what they mean.

Here are just the high ones:

MCV-my result was 99-the range is 78-96-units are fl  two months ago they were
LYMPHOCYTE-my results are 45-range is 20-42-units are % two months ago they were (none)
AST/SGOT-my results are 168-range is 0-37-units are U/L  two months ago they were 82
ALT-SGPT-my results are 196-range is 21-58-units are U/L  two months ago they were 139
ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE-my results are 187-range is 20-125-units are U/L two months ago they were 133
BUN/CREATININE RATIO-my results are 28-range is 6-25-no units two months ago they were 17

Well, that's all the one's that are high, can anyone tell me anything?  Does it seem like the hep c might be "active" now?

thanks

[Trish77]

It's always active.  As long as the virus exists, it's active.

If what you mean is does it seem like your liver damage is progressing, that's something else.

Still unclear what your previous biopsy results were a year (?) ago.  Really, your PCP gave you good advice and your Hepatologist will have good answers.  You see him on May 26th or something?  He may opt for another biopsy.  If he does, I'd go for it.

Trish

[HectorSF]

Your PCP (a generalist) is not an expert in liver disease or any disease for that matter so they sent you to see a hepatologist (a liver specialist). Your PCP must think that something (hepatitis C) is injuring your liver.

The test you mention don't really say much about your health status except that something  is damaging your liver. A hepatologist will perform other tests and procedures to assess your illness and then if needed recommend treatment. BUN/Creatinine ratio is related to the kidneys.

As Trish said once you have chronic hepatitis C it is always active and damaging your liver.

Hectorsf

[kenneltech]

I have genotype 1A hep c. that is "innactive" I go to the hepatology department at University of Colorado Health Sciences hospital. I have had one biopsy, and I have had postive cancer tracers directed to my liver.  They did MRI's for about 6 months watching "spots" but said they were not concerned.  So they told me just to see my family doc and to have my enzymes checked, which I have been doing.  But then my PCP called and said that he has been watching my enzymes and other things going up steadily in the last couple of months. I have an appointment with the hepatologist, but I just wanted to see if someone could tell me what they saw in the bloodwork, as I am very anxious and I don't go see them for a couple more weeks.

[Trish77]

There is really nothing else to tell, truly.  Liver enzymes going up is usually a reason to pay some more attention to looking into what is going on but it does not necessarily mean that your liver damage has progressed to an advanced state.  The person who can answer your questions is your hepatologist and you will see him in a couple of weeks.  That's not bad compared to many months of waiting and your situation won't become life threatening in a couple of weeks so you'll be fine until you get there and that's the best place to go for more information.

Trish