What laboratory findings might you expect in a patient with Hepatitis C?

In a patient with Hepatitis C, one would expect to see specific laboratory findings that reflect liver inflammation and damage. The presence of proteinuria and bilirubinuria indicates issues with liver function and the kidneys, as these substances would typically be reabsorbed by a healthy liver and kidneys. Elevated AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase) levels are particularly significant, as they are enzymes released into the bloodstream when the liver is inflamed or damaged, which is characteristic of Hepatitis C infection. These elevated enzyme levels help confirm the diagnosis of hepatic injury.

Proteinuria suggests that there may be an underlying issue affecting the kidney’s ability to filter properly, which can occur in some cases of chronic liver disease due to the resulting kidney complications, while bilirubinuria indicates that bilirubin is spilling into the urine due to its accumulation in the bloodstream, often as a result of liver dysfunction.

This combination of protein and bilirubin in the urine, along with elevated liver enzymes, forms a key part of the diagnostic picture for Hepatitis C and its effects on the body.