| Author |
Message |
Shelley J
Member
Username: Eandsjacobs
Post Number: 6
Registered: 11-2009
| | Posted on Monday, April 26, 2010 - 01:29 pm: | 
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Good morning,
Cole (10 yr. old) was transplanted 4 months ago and has been doing well. He is still drawing labs weekly and scheduled for his 4 month check at Mayo next week.
The last three weeks, his labs have been trending slightly up (see below- 1x week draw- last number is today's results) ) .He has been fighting a slight cold- which seems to be gettting better. His tac level has been at 8 the last two weeks. Mayo's goal range is 8-10.
What could be the possible reason for this elevation and how can it be fixed?
So hard not to worry.
AST (normal range- 16-41)19,22,35, 41
ALT- (normal range- 8-51) 18,33,67.90
GGT (normal range- 6-65) 38,39, 46, 50.
bili (normal range .1-.6) .4,.6,.6,.6
Thank you for your input,
Shelley |
nancyu
Member
Username: Daisyu
Post Number: 30
Registered: 10-2009
| | Posted on Monday, April 26, 2010 - 02:31 pm: |
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Shelley,
This could be from any number of issues but if Mayo hasn't told you to do anything different then don't panic. I assume they told you the results. If this is not the case give them a call. Don't ever feel that you are bothering them even if you want to ask the question that you posted. I have found that it is best to be proactive but it is hard not to worry. Every time that my lab results come in the mail I take a deep breath before opening. Hope things work out.
Nancy
liver 12/23/08
UPMC Pittsburgh |
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garben
Member
Username: Garben
Post Number: 9
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Monday, April 26, 2010 - 03:58 pm: |
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Hi Shelly,
I agree with Nancy about giving them a call. If you are like me, I get my results the same day I have my labs drawn and there are times I see them before my Transplant team.
Have they been adjusting his meds? This could cause the rise in these levels.
It seemed like with me, every time they reduced my prednisone my numbers would climb even if my tacrolimus levels were ok.
Also you said he has had a cold, if he has been taking anything for that this that could also bring up his levels.
I had some ups and downs my first 6-8 mo. after my transplant until they got just the right combination of meds. I even had to go back in to the hospital during that time for a few bouts with rejections.
It looks like you are staying on top of the labs and this is good, like Nancy said "it is best to be proactive" So give them a call and please keep use up to date.
garben
Garben
Liver Transplant, 2/28/07
Memorial Hermann, Houston, TX. |
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Joe Berry
Forum Leader
Username: Joe910
Post Number: 181
Registered: 08-2008
| | Posted on Monday, April 26, 2010 - 09:02 pm: |
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At four months, my Labs spiked for five weeks before they settled down and have remained there since (except for one time at 8 months). All of mine were higher than Cole's, except GGT. My doctors do not check that on a regular basis.
I asked my doctor what about the cause and he first told me that it was nothing to worry about. He told me that hydration had alot to do with the numbers in the early months post transplant.
I would call them just to be sure. Always better to know for sure and hear it from them.
Joe Berry, Peoria, IL USA
Forum Leader
Diagnosed with PSC and UC in 1990
Liver Transplant 10-17-2007
Northwestern Memorial, Chicago, IL |
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Richard Owens
Member
Username: Richardindy
Post Number: 624
Registered: 07-2007
| | Posted on Monday, April 26, 2010 - 10:57 pm: |
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A most common reason for elevated liver numbers post-transplant is constricted biliary tree. The bile duct is the smallest vessel to be joined in a liver transplant. Even in adults, I was told, 70% of us transplant patients will need an ERCP (r more than one) As it is healing, scar tissue may cause the passage to narrow to the point of backing up bile into the liver. This causes the labs to elevate. In all likelihood, Cole is not feeling ill at this point if this is his problem.
An ERCP is a procedure where a stint that is placed in the duct to hold open a passage in the bile duct to allow adequate passage to the digestive tract. It is dune under a general sedative or anesthetic and does not require surgery. I needed 4 or 5 separate ERCP procedures during the first few months following my transplant. Some of them required a single stint; others required up to 3 stints. I can imagine that a child would be more prone to needing stints due to his smaller size.
The advice you have already received is good---call his surgeons. Let them make the decisions here.
I wish the best for Cole and for you, his parents and caregivers.
Richard
Kidney Transplant - Aug 30, 1986 - Type One Diabetes
Liver Transplant - May 15, 2007 - Hepatic Carcinoma due to Hepatitis C |
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Shelley J
Member
Username: Eandsjacobs
Post Number: 7
Registered: 11-2009
| | Posted on Friday, April 30, 2010 - 07:50 am: |
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Thank you for your responses. At this point, Mayo is not super worried. Cole is scheduled for his 4 month biopsy next Friday which will give them a clear idea as to what is going on.
I am BEYOND thankful for his new gift of life but, boy, it is so hard not to worry about him.  |
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