Can anyone help with a titre question?

[Fionna6669]

Hello

I was found to have a positive AMA almost 3 years ago - 1:160, with anti-M2 at 1:149.  My Gastroenterologist asked for the test to be repeated by my Gp and I called yesterday to get the results.  The receptionist read out what the Gp had written under the test but it doesn't seem to be expressed in the same way as my previous results?  I was told it was 'AMA positive, Anti-M2 13/1.  What does the 13/1 mean?  how does it correlate with my previous results?  I have normal Liver function tests otherwise.

Thank you

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

i am actually not sure either as they can be run with different technologies.  remember that there is no correlation whatsoever with activity/severity of disease and titers or liver tests, except when the serum bilirubin becomes elevated

[Jacques66]

Hi Fionna,

How are you? Hope you're feeling well. I am also in your age group and relatively healthy except that I developed itchy palms. My PC ran some tests and one of them was AMA and it came up positive. The lab's range doesn't have a titer. It said 25 positive, and my result was 107. I was wondering if you were able to find out about the titer issue. I haven't seen my PC yet, but I'm very concerned about PBC. My liver panel is all normal except that I havevitamin D insufficiency and being treated for it.

Please keep in touch so we can support each other. Wishing you all the best.

Taline

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

Fionna, the constellation of symptoms that you describe are very consistent with PBC.  If liver tests are abnormal, ursodiol use may be warranted.

[Fionna6669]

Thank you.  I will just send the results to my Gastro Consultant and see what she comes up with!  I generally like to be pre-researched but it's a real spoke in the wheel when they change the rules!  

It is interesting that you confirm the point of severity v titres.  I have not had a formal diagnosis of PBC, or a biopsy.  I do appear to have SOD type 2 which causes periodic issues and grossly elevated lfts but they do return to normal inbetween, also osteomalacia from severe Vit D deficiency (undetectable levels before treatment).  The current issues I have are xanthelasma with only a slightly elevated cholesterol (and normal ratio), chronic fatigue and bilateral frozen shoulders!  I am 41, female, white British and previously healthy.

F Duncan
Stuck in medical limboland.

[Fionna6669]

Thank you Dr Schiano.

I have done my research on PBC and I do expect the disease to progress in time.  What I am really interested in is comparing my current Anti-M2 result with my previous one.  The result of 1:149 two years ago and the latest at 13/1.  I am unsure which is higher as they are expressed in a different way?

Thank you

[Thomas D Schiano, MD]

the anti-M2 confirms the presence of the (+) AMA.  I would continue to expectantly follow your liver chemistry tests.