Question Title: liver function tests and CMV tests

Thank you for being here for my questions. In June I wrote you
concerning elevated liver Enzyme tests which have now I believe
returned to normal, however, now they ran a test about 3 months
ago for Cytomegalovirus and it was elevated. I have since had
the test repeated twice, the last one was elevated and I am still
waiting for the results on the test I had run today(10/5/98).
Could the CMV have anything to do with my elevated liver enzymes
and if so how? The only symptoms I am having are being tired,
weight gain,about 20lbs, swollen stomach,and pain in my feet and
knees. I am 5' tall and weigh 145.I am 54 yrs of age, a smoker
and only occasional drinker(maybe 2 drinks a month). My doctor
has taken me off of all meds until we can get to the bottom of
this. I am concerned they are missing something but I just don't
know what. Any help or advice you can give me will be much
appreciated. I know my body and I know that all of this isn't
normal for me. Thank you for your help, Judith

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Dear Judith,
There are two tests for CMV virus. The IgM antibody indicates recent infection whereas the IgG antibody shows that at one time in the past you had CMV infection.

It is unusual for a 54 year old women to develop CMV infection unless you are immunocompro,ised (status post organ transplant, taking corticosteroids, HIV infection, alcoholism, end stage renal disease).

CMV infection can involve the liver but it is necessary to exclude other causes if the CMV igM test is negative, fatty liver, viral hepatitis B or C are among the conditions that must be excluded.

This information is presented for educational purposes. Always ask specific questions to your personal physician.

HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: hepatitis, CMV infection
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