Test Results

[katwoman]

So I got my test results back today and I guess if I put them together with how I've been feeling of late and the crusting and sinus infections (even on Bactrim since Oct 08) it seems to add up to a positive flare up - ANCA titre 320 (12 months ago it was 80) but can someone explain to me the Anti-Proteinase 3p Ab as it says should be less then 5 and mine came back at 53? also is AST at 141 anything to worry about?

My doctor didn't explain anything and just said you need to get back to your Rheumy asap to discuss what to do next? As I mentioned on other posts really want to find someone in Sydney who know's what I'm dealing with?

[Jack]

If you Google "antiproteinase 3" you will find lots of info (mostly hard to understand). I'm not sure of its details, but I know it is the test that my docs take most notice of in relation to Wegener's. The normal ANCA test is always +ve for me and does not match how I feel.

[katwoman]

Thanks Jack, did try before to google and it just seemed like alot medical jargon...I total agree its how you feel and that is why I went to get tests done in first place because I feel lousy and being under alot of stress at work does not help us weggies either.

[elephant]

Hi Katwoman, The ALT indicates the liver function. If your ALT was 145, then it is a little high. With all the medicines we take ( medicines are broken down in the liver) can cause it to go up. I'm with Jack on the Antiprotienase, it is hard to understand. Usually my Rheuy does not get worried if my ANCA levels are up. Mine has never been normal, even when I was on 60mg of prednisone twice. They go on how you feel. Hope all is well.

[Sangye]

Kat, AST measures liver function (ALT and Alk Phos are the other 2) and indicates active or chronic liver problems. It can indicate other things, too, so your doctor has to look at a larger picture than just that one number. I don't remember which drugs you're on. Most of them can cause liver problems, but especially cytoxan and methotrexate.

The Wegs specialists pretty much ignore the ANCA and Anti-proteinase tests once you're diagnosed. They're accurate indicators for very few people.

Wegs activity is measured by symptoms and signs, diagnostic test results (eg, CT shows nodules decreasing) and inflammatory markers in the blood (ie, ESR/Sed Rate and CRP).

[jola57]

Hi Kat, it would seem that your AST is quite high, which means your liver is affected. I hope your doc is aware and doing something about it. Lowering your liver affecting meds like pred or methotrexate / cyclophosohamide or anything else you take to give your liver a break.