Hyped up immune system post treatment.

[Mugwump]

There is no doubt now that my immune system is in overdrive again. A two edged sword. I am experiencing a slight increase in smooth muscle antibodies. These are the ones that can run amok and can cause immune hepatitis. My doctor was on the ball and checked to make sure that the levels of antibodies attacking my liver were not too far out of whack. 


Also the seasonal allergy reactions this year have been exceptionally nasty, sinus problems from hell to say the least. In discussions with my GP it seems that others that are successfully treated experience a "Harvoni High" then an unexpected increase in immune reaction like effects post treatment.


So it may very well  be that myalgia post treatment and other immune related troubles can increase in those who have had a higher level of liver damage done by HCV. This reaction is a reasonable explanation why we feel so great with the "Harvoni High" as the disease was removed but then have unexpected changes as our livers heal.


Here is hoping that things settle down over the next few months. My liver is slowly getting smaller and my next ultra sound should tell the tale.


 

[KimInTheForest]

Hi Mugwump. Is it possible to be tested for smooth muscle antibodies? Is that what the test is called? I continue to think that my post-treatment problems were (and occasionally continue to be) overactive immune response.

I don't think my liver damage was extensive pre-treatment (F2 or F3 according to 2 different fibroscans on different machines).

good luck!
kim

[Mugwump]

Hi Mugwump. Is it possible to be tested for smooth muscle antibodies? Is that what the test is called? I continue to think that my post-treatment problems were (and occasionally continue to be) overactive immune response.

I don't think my liver damage was extensive pre-treatment (F2 or F3 according to 2 different fibroscans on different machines).

good luck!
kim

Here are the actual test stats and the test is common for those who have cirrhosis caused by the immune system so my doctor ruled out that possibility with the test. The levels of smooth muscle and other antibodies would need to be more elevated to indicate aggressive immune disorder causing more  liver damage. Slight elevations indicates an over-active immune system, which can cause some symptoms in the rest of the body for obvious reasons.


Nuclear Ab Titre and Pattern
Neg
Titre <1:80

Note: new method as of July 6, 2015.
For more information, see Healthcare
Provider News & Notices BC at
 

HEp-2000 cell substrate for indirect
immunofluorescence
shows improved sen-
sensitivity for SS-A/Ro antibodies.

Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are
commonly detected in the sera of patients
with systemic autoimmune rheumatic dis-
eases. Specimen was screened at 1:80
titre. A negative test rarely needs to be
repeated unless there is a strong clini-
cal suspicion of evolving disease or a
clinical change suggesting diagnostic
review.

Extractable Nuclear Ab Screen
Negative
The ENA test screens for the presence
of antibodies to Sm, RNP, SS-A, SS-B,
Scl-70 and Jo-1.
Tested by a multiplex flow immunoassay
(BioPlex) method.

Smooth Muscle Ab

POS
Negative
Note: new indirect immunofluorescence
instrumentation as of September 14, 2015.
Patients are not expected to demostrate
differences in reactivity.
[/size]
Smooth Muscle Ab Titre [/color]

[/size]1:40
Titre <1:20 [/color]

[/size]The normal titre for smooth muscle antibodies is the one of importance here and slight increase do cause mild myalgia and slight joint swelling. What the doctor looks for is consistent elevated levels of sma and slow increasing of alt/ast liver panel results for no reason that is obvious if there is a suspicion of auto immune disease causing liver damage. [/color]

[drummerman]

interesting.

thanks for posting.

dm

[KimInTheForest]

thanks for posting that info, mugwump. I was never aware of immune hepatitis before, or cirrhosis caused by immune system. that's why I love this place. learn something new here every day.

kim