what do enzyme levels tell you? - Hepatitis Message Board

moni57 · 10-03-2003, 11:47 PM

I had a liver biopsy on Wed and it went smoothly. Now I am just waiting on the results (for TWO weeks!). Is this normal?

My Doc mentioned that my enzyme levels are "acting" like Hep C. But he was not clear on how the liver enzymes act in Hep C patients. My AST/ALT have ranged from 350-800+ since August.

can anyone give me an idea of what my AST/ALT/Alk Phos/Bili levels represent? (or any references?)
And if the fluctuations of these enzymes (or lack there of) give any clues as to what I am suffering from?

honestly, the docs are at a loss and it is driving me crazy. Any help would be appreciated!

[This message has been edited by moni57 (edited 10-04-2003).]

thanbey · 10-04-2003, 12:19 PM

Basically, they tell whether you should investigate further. With enzymes in the 300-800 range, there is no question you should.

The biopsy is key to determining whether there is damage the the liver and, possibly, even the cause of it.

There is no point in wringing your hands at this point and making yourself crazy. Your doctor will explain everything to you as it relates to you. Insist he does that and do not settle for "pat on the head" answers. Take someone with you if that will help.

In the meantime, stay away form anything potentially liver toxic, including alcohol, smoking, chemicals, second hand smoke and foods with preservatives in them.Make sure you are getting enough exercise and rest.

Try to stick with a diet of pure foods. That means as close to the way they came from mother nature as possible, cooked and seasoned with natural herbs and spices.

And, try to relax. High enzymes can be made worse by stress.

I

Rajah · 10-04-2003, 01:25 PM

Hi,
the liver enzyme test is to determine if their is any inflammation going on. that is all it will tell. considering the the normal range of ast and alt's is approx 40 their is reason for concern. they do flucuate, but at the height your's is at, it needs to be checked out. you did have an hcv pcr quantitive test done to see what your hcv viral count is...right?