Liver Health: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Q: Liver Health: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results

Hello! You have two issues. <br>The first is chronic hepatitis C (HCV Ab positive) with significant liver inflammation (AST 101, ALT 221). <br>You should seek medical attention at a large hospital's hepatology department as soon as possible, as you may require specific antiviral

Hepatitis C

Hello Dr.
Yang, I would like to ask you about my previous symptoms of frequent fatigue and slightly yellowing of the sclera.
I had a blood test done, but I don't quite understand the results, so I would like to consult you regarding the following issues:
- WBC (White Blood Cell Count): 10.75 (Normal range: 4.0-10.0)
- GOT (AST, Aspartate Aminotransferase): 101 (Normal range: 0-40)
- GPT (ALT, Alanine Aminotransferase): 221 (Normal range: 0-42)
- Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase: 6.3 (Normal range for females: 7-39)
- HBsAg (EIA, Hepatitis B Surface Antigen): 0.73 (-) (Normal: s/n < 2.0)
- HBsAb (EIA, Hepatitis B Surface Antibody): 2406 (+) (Normal: <10.0)
- Anti-HCV (EIA, Hepatitis C Antibody): 143.87 (+) (Normal: S/CO < 1.0)
- WBC (White Blood Cell Count): 15-20 (Normal for females: 0-5)
I haven't been seeing a doctor because I don't know how to explain my situation.

Xiao Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/01/29

Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello! You have two issues.
The first is chronic hepatitis C (HCV Ab positive) with significant liver inflammation (AST 101, ALT 221).
You should seek medical attention at a large hospital's hepatology department as soon as possible, as you may require specific antiviral treatment; otherwise, it could progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer in the future.
The second issue is a urinary tract infection (WBC 10,750, urine white blood cells 15-20).
The treatment involves increasing fluid intake and taking antibiotics.
Sincerely, Dr.
Yang Pei-Chen, Director of the Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2004/01/29

More Info

Understanding your liver health and interpreting blood test results can be quite complex, especially when dealing with various indicators that reflect your overall health. Based on the blood test results you provided, let's break down the key components and their implications for your liver health.

1. White Blood Cell Count (WBC): Your WBC count is reported at 10.75, which is slightly above the normal range of 4.0-10.0. An elevated white blood cell count can indicate an ongoing infection, inflammation, or stress response in the body. Given your symptoms of fatigue and yellowing of the eyes (which may suggest jaundice), it’s essential to investigate further to determine the underlying cause.

2. Liver Enzymes (GOT/AST and GPT/ALT):
- GOT (AST): Your level is 101, significantly higher than the normal range of 0-40. Elevated AST can indicate liver damage or inflammation, but it can also be elevated due to muscle injury or other conditions.

- GPT (ALT): Your level is 221, also well above the normal range of 0-42. ALT is more specific to the liver, and elevated levels typically suggest liver cell injury. This could be due to various factors, including viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or alcohol-related liver damage.

3. Hepatitis B and C Tests:
- HBsAg (Hepatitis B Surface Antigen): Your result is 0.73, which is negative (normal). This indicates that you are not currently infected with Hepatitis B.

- Anti-HBs (Hepatitis B Surface Antibody): Your result is 2406, which is positive. This suggests that you have immunity to Hepatitis B, likely due to vaccination or past infection.

- Anti-HCV (Hepatitis C Antibody): Your result is 143.87, which is positive. This indicates that you have been exposed to Hepatitis C at some point. It is crucial to follow up with additional tests to determine if you have an active infection or if it is a past infection.

4. Symptoms: The symptoms you mentioned, such as fatigue and yellowing of the eyes, are concerning and could be related to liver dysfunction. Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes, occurs when there is an accumulation of bilirubin in the blood, often due to liver dysfunction or bile duct obstruction.

Recommendations:
- Follow-Up Testing: It is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation. Additional tests may include a liver ultrasound, hepatitis viral load tests, and possibly a liver biopsy if indicated.

- Lifestyle Modifications: If you have not already, consider making lifestyle changes that support liver health. This includes avoiding alcohol, maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and engaging in regular physical activity.

- Consultation with a Specialist: Given the complexity of your results, it may be beneficial to consult a hepatologist (a liver specialist) who can provide a more detailed assessment and tailored treatment plan based on your specific situation.

In summary, your blood test results indicate potential liver dysfunction, and the presence of Hepatitis C antibodies suggests a need for further investigation. It is crucial to address these findings with your healthcare provider to ensure appropriate management and care.

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