I just wanted to ask if anyone else has had any experience with AFP and when to be concerned - although I have been seen by a specialist for over 10 years it’s the first time this test has been done and wasn’t sure if the below result is concerning given it’s elevated
My FibroScan has recently also been over normal level for the first time as below and not sure if that’s also quite concerting or sometimes reversible
All other tests are overall within normal ranges and my viral load has always been low / controlled by my immune system so far so I haven’t had any treatment yet
Anything that can be done to improve those results? I never drink, I’ve been exercising much more than before in the past 6 months and eating healthy, but stress levels have been high!
8.3 kPa FibroScan
AFPT 9 kU/L Standard Range 0 - 7 kU/L
Ultrasound elastrography scheduled, last one was a couple of years ago and normal
Since about 10 years (when I found out I’ve got hep B) my viral load was controlled by my immune system, and log/viral load had gone down to lower than the above levels before over the years - I’ve also never had a higher than F1 FibroScan until now
So AFP stands for alpha-fetoprotein and elevated levels of this protein in the blood can be a sign of liver cancer (but can also be caused by other things). The normal range for AFP can vary between < 7 and < 10 kU/L depending on where in the world the reference range for normal blood levels of this protein is established.
Although technically above the normal range, your result is frequently seen in patients with chronic hepatitis and or cirrhosis and does not indicate the presence of cancer.
Your fibroscan result suggests that fibrosis may be present and you should discuss with your doctor and if starting oral antiviral therapy would be appropriate for you. This should include new tests for ALT, HBV DNA and perhaps even additional imaging tests of your liver.
Current guidelines in North America and Europe recommend withholding treatment until liver disease becomes evident which may be the reason you have not been on antiviral therapy until now.
What were your results? What did the doctor say? I have a hen B since I was an infant and my doctor did not put me on any meds yet. How often did you have your fibro scan done?
Recent results are good thank you. My US elastography readings were also much better so they think my previous fibroscan result might have not been very accurate.
I usually have had a fibroscan done every year, but it has also been a little more frequent at times.
However my HBV DNA falls in the low intermediate zone and my specialist explained new evidence suggests I will have better long term outcomes on an antiviral, so I have actually now started treatment with Tenofovir.
Those are of course only my individual circumstances and I’ve followed my specialist advice based on my specific wider results etc.
I’m happy to hear that your results improved. I was talking the other day with the doctor about possible treatment to me as well. He recommended Tenofovir if I decide to start having the treatment. How are you feeling after Tenofovir?
