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Hep C Discussion Forum -> On Treatment -> Understanding labs
Post Info TOPIC: Understanding labs
Cinnamon Girl


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RE: Understanding labs
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Hi Sandy, it`s a very good sign that your hubby`s liver enzymes have dropped back into normal range and that certainly is a positive trend.

I know it`s early into treatment yet and he`s bound to be feeling cautious after his previous experiences but I think you both have good cause to be very pleased with how it`s looking so far.

Great news, and best of luck with hubby`s 4 week viral load result!

 



__________________

Jill 

(71 yo, lives in UK)

Was Gen 3a, 

24wks Peg Ifn/Riba, Sep 2010 - Mch 2011

UND @ Wk.4, UND @ EOT, 

SVR Nov 2011 --> Still UND @ EOT + 4 yrs.

 

 
mallani


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Sandy,

The ALT, AST and GGT are liver enzymes. They are released into the blood when hepatocytes are damaged or die. They measure liver inflammation but also liver cell regeneration. As hubby's are now normal, it means there is little inflammation going on. It's good.



__________________

Geno 1b, IL28B CT,  x3 prior relapser,  ex-cirrhotic, 75 yo, did 48 weeks with Victrelis/Peg./Riba.  VL 1.28m at start, UNDET. at 8 ,12 ,16 ,24 ,30  and 48 weeks.  EOT 15 Feb 2013 , UNDET. at EOT + 28 weeks. SVR!  Still Undet. at EOT +5 years

Malcolm
sandypsych


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I probably should have included more information.  Yes, this is at the four week mark on Solvaldi/Olysio.  After the problems on the triple therapy with the severe rash. a non-ribavirin treatment was recommended and luckily, after much fighting with insurance was approved.  

He has had virtually not side effects aside from insomnia.  Seems to stay awake until 2 or so, but it is certainly manageable.  I think he has more energy now than he had, but he doesn't think so, and he would be the best to decide that I guess.  We saw the doc yesterday for a four week follow up visit.  The indicated that it is a small sample on this treatment, but they have had all clear the virus.  I take that as very promising.  My husband (the eternal pessimist) feels it will need to fail for someone, and therefore he him :(  We should be getting the viral load results any day now.  The doc did say that because he had been in treatment before (interferon, HALT-C clinical trial, Incivek triple therapy, then Victrelis), that he may not be undetected at four weeks, but certainly close to it.  They wait and test again at the end of treatment, which will be in eight weeks (12 week total for this treatment).

Regarding the labs, I'm trying to figure out what those measure (AST/ALT).  I know they are elevated with liver disease, but have also heard that the actual numbers are not a measure of liver health.  So, if they are lower, does it mean the liver is less inflamed?  Working better?  Taking a break?  Or nothing.

Best of luck to all on this regime.  It certainly is amazing how quickly things are  moving in the field.  

Sandy



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Hubby profile:  Genotype 1a.  Hep C since late 70's.  Cirrhosis.   Interon/Riba 2x.  Incivek/interf/riba:  Und at 8 weeks, but had to stop due to DRESS syndome.  Olysio/Sovaldi started 6/18/2014.  Cleared virus 11/05/2014
Isiscat2011


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Too early to be counting the SVR chickens yet, but this is very good news, and something to feel hopeful and happy about.  I'm so pleased for you and hubby!  How is he feeling?  When will he get his first VL check?



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Diagnosed in 2011, Incivek triple in 2011, tx discontinued, Genotype 1a, CT, VL 7mill, cirrhosis dx in 2012, age 67, waiting for new DAAs.
Fireman Rob


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Hi Sandy,

Wow- those new numbers are a great improvement! Especially at four weeks.. Hang in there.



__________________

Age 33, Male. GT-1 for ten years. Diagnosed in March, 2014.

Treated with Sovaldi/Olysio: SVR 24 on February 16, 2015!
mallani


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Hi again Sandy,

I remember the troubles hubby had with the Incivek and Victrelis triple. Glad to hear Sovaldi/Olysio is easier.

The before treatment values are typical for cirrhosis, with the AST being > than the ALT. Now they are both just within the normal range, which is great. I assume the Labs are after 4 weeks treatment? Let us know what the VL is. Are you doing 12 or 24 weeks? All the best. Cheers.



__________________

Geno 1b, IL28B CT,  x3 prior relapser,  ex-cirrhotic, 75 yo, did 48 weeks with Victrelis/Peg./Riba.  VL 1.28m at start, UNDET. at 8 ,12 ,16 ,24 ,30  and 48 weeks.  EOT 15 Feb 2013 , UNDET. at EOT + 28 weeks. SVR!  Still Undet. at EOT +5 years

Malcolm
sandypsych


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Hello all

I'm looking for some help understanding labs.  Husband went for four week labs and we are waiting for viral load.  But in the meantime, we got these results today.  I assume this is good news, right?

ALT -   Before Tx:  156   Currently:  31

AST-   Before Tx:  164    Currently:  40

 

We are so nervous that we will be disappointed that we don't want to get too excited, but both of these seem to have fallen back into the 'normal' range.  Is that a positive trend?

Sandy



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Hubby profile:  Genotype 1a.  Hep C since late 70's.  Cirrhosis.   Interon/Riba 2x.  Incivek/interf/riba:  Und at 8 weeks, but had to stop due to DRESS syndome.  Olysio/Sovaldi started 6/18/2014.  Cleared virus 11/05/2014
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