Potential PBC

[Dommc92]

Hi everyone after an awful few days of googling PBC I've finally come across this community.

I have just a few questions for you whilst I await my appointment with the gastro.From my test results it looks as though I have been tested for AMA twice.Once came back negative and one positive

First set

"Atypical Mitochondrial Ab staining pattern present: M2 negative

Parietal cell autoantibody level Positive (due to Mitochondrial Ab)

Antimitochondrial autoantibody level Positive at 1/500"

Second set

"Liver Immunoblot

Mitochondrial antibody screening test Negative anti-AMA-M2 Ab

Anti AMA 3E(BPO) Ab Negative anti-AMA M2 3E(BPO) Ab"

Was wondering if anyone had this before?

Also my ALT level was slightly elevated but all other enzymes within normal range

Thankyou

[butterflyEi]

Hi Dommc92

I cannot see from your profile which country you are in. Blood tests results can vary from different laboratories however having said that to have a diagnosis of PBC doctors use antimichondrial antibodies, alkaline phosphatase and billirubin amongst other blood markers. If you are not already a member join the PBC Foundation (free to join) they have information for patient and professionals in the members section. Unfortunately I am unfamiliar with your test results but apparently it is not uncommon for our blood markers to vary. Hopefully someone will come along soon who will be of more help.

best wishes

[Dommc92 in reply to butterflyEi]

Hi I'm from the UK,alkaline phosphate and billirubin are within the accepted limit.Its just the fact one AMA test has come back positive and the other (immunoblot) has come back negative

[butterflyEi in reply to Dommc92]

It is hard not to have a definitive answer and unfortunately over the weekend on here there is not so much traffic, you may find someone will answer next week but of course that does not help to settle your mind.

Do you have long to wait for the specialist appointment - if yes - perhaps you could have a word with your GP if appointments are difficult perhaps a telephone chat would help. I know that we can worry ourselves badly with Dr. Google and in general stress is not a good thing for PBC. However if it is PBC it has been caught early and that means there is a better outcome. Robert the administrator has a pinned post on the right hand column about PBC and life expectancy and how it has changed over the years. It may help to reduce your worries. My diagnosis was 13 years ago but certainly I had symptoms a good 10 years prior, my numbers are controlled with URSOdeoxycholic Acid. I am sorry not to be of more help.

best wishes

[PBC2002]

Hi Dommc92, I’m sorry i can’t help you. I only know that all of my liver enzymes were elevated,followed by a positive AMA. I was then sent for an ultrasound and liver biopsy to confirm PBC. Good luck.

[Irisw]

Following because recent positive test as well