ALT two days after treatment ending

[MsBrat58]

Hello, I have a question. I had blood labs done one day after completing my viekira pak treatment and I have received some of my labs. My ALT jumped to 71 and the healthy range is 5-50. They took me off ribavirin nine weeks into my 12-week treatment because my red cells dropped too much. I haven't gotten back my viral load yet, but is the ALT a cause for concern? Thank you.

[msu]

Hi MsBrat

I just posted the same question and saw your post now.

I am GT-3 and did 24 weeks of SOV and Riba and my ALT and AST are elvated as well after one month EOT.

My doctor has asked for a viral load test and does not want to comment on the high levels.

I am concerned but hopeful to be UND.

Hopefully you will also be UND and will achieve SVR, All the best.

Cheers

[MsBrat58]

Hi Msu. I am waiting nervously for my viral load to come back. Crossing my fingers for us both. This site really helps with the exchange of info to support from like situation members.

[lporterrn]

It is too soon to tell since there is solid evidence showing that even in cases with a detectable viral load at end-of-treatment (EOT), its possible to have an SVR. However, given your case of reduced ribavirin and MSU's genotype 3, it is quite possible the ALT points to a relapse. Of course, only the viral load will tell since ALT can rise for other reasons.

Here are some things I'd like you to know if this is a relapse:
Even a mere 12 weeks of treatment, even if it doesn't result in a permanent cure, is not a waste of time and may dial back your fibrosis level

If you are in a relapse, the viral load and sometimes the ALT may skyrocket. This is NORMAL and it is no cause for worry

I don't know where you live, but in late June, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir will be approved in the U.S. and it has high cure rates.

Keep us in the loop - don't lose hope

[MsBrat58]

Thank you. I did get my results on my viral load today. Still undectable. I have my next test at the end of this month. Hoping it is undected and a test in May. I am on Medicaid and nurse said i will not be allowed to change treatment. I don't think that is true but it is what they told me. I am hoping the 9 weeks i was on Riba gave me a boost. Thanks again.

[lporterrn]

Statistically, you were on enough ribavirin, and that is unlikely to cause issues if you were undetectable at EOT, which you were. So, at this point, there is every reason to be optimistic.