POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Someone I Care About Has HIV => Topic started by: Teresa on April 02, 2011, 06:03:51 pm
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Got hubbys latest labs in the mail today. His AST is 73 suppose to be 0 - 40. His ALT is 149 suppose to be 0-55. Hes been on Atripla for 4 1/2 years. I know these numbers are high. Should we be concerned that they are this high?? His other numbers are good...CD4 437 was 294, VL <20.
Thanks
Teresa
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These are both tests for liver function. Obviously this is showing them elevated. I'm not sure what else you want to know -- I mean, what did your husband's doctor say to him? I've known people to get such a reading but then when they re-tested a week later it went back in normal range. There are other things, drug interactions, etc. that can result in such readings. His doctor should be sorting this out and telling him what to do.
Worse comes to worse you change med regimens, which isn't the end of the world you know.
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Hubbys Dr. hasn't said anything. When he goes for his check ups that's when they draw the blood. Then they send him a copy. I think he should have his blood work taken then a couple of weeks after that go in for his appointment so if theres a question (like now) he can ask.
Theres a cover letter on his labs and they have checked Please continue your medications as you have - no changes are needed. They have that underlined. Then in the comments they have drawn a smiley face.
I guess what I'm wanting to know is, has anyone else had numbers that high and if so what did they do if anything?
I will call the Dr. Monday and leave them a message.
Teresa
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Teresa, read the lessons on this web site about the issue, specifically page 3 of the following link:
http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/Hepatotoxicity_7546.shtml
Most of the time, hepatotoxicity takes several months or years to develop and usually begins with mild increases in either AST or ALT that progresses to more serious increases. Generally speaking, if your AST or ALT levels are elevated but are no higher than five times the normal range (e.g., AST above 43 IU/L but below 215 IU/L or ALT above 60 IU/L but below 300 IU/L), you have mild-to-moderate hepatotoxicity. If your AST is higher than 215 IU/L or your ALT is above 300 IU/L, you have severe hepatotoxicity, which can lean to permanent liver damage and serious problems.
Basically even though his numbers are outside of normal range, they are under the worry zone of severe hepatoxicty. It's definitely something that the doctor should watch closely, but it's most likely safe to wait for the next lab result in 3-4 months. If it makes your husband feel safer perhaps he should take his next lab work before his next doctor's visit, that way when he goes in he'll have the results in front of him while he's with the doctor.
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Thanks so much Miss Philica!! You have been a big help and I really appreciate it!!!
Hugs
Teresa