hepatitis C? 1 Attachment(s) Hepatitis C? Hepatitis C virus causes an inflammation of the liver. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is found in the blood of persons who have this disease. HCV is spread by contact with the blood of an infected person. What are the causes? Hepatitis C infection is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Persons who may be at risk for hepatitis C are those who:
What are the symptoms? Many people who are infected with the hepatitis C do not have symptoms. Hepatitis C is often detected during blood tests for a routine physical or other medical procedure. The following symptoms could occur:
How is it diagnosed? There are several blood tests that can be done to determine if one has been infected with HCV. Your doctor may order one or a combination of these tests. a) Anti-HCV (antibody to HCV).
b) Qualitative tests to detect presence or absence of virus (HCV RNA) c) Quantitative tests to detect amount (titre) of virus (HCV RNA)
What is the treatment? Some patients with hepatitis C benefit from treatment with interferon alpha or a combination of interferon alpha and ribavirin. Interferon alpha is given by injection just under the skin and has a number of side effects, including flu-like symptoms, headaches, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, depression, and thinning of hair. Treatment with interferon alpha may also interfere with the production of white blood cells and platelets. Ribavirin is a capsule taken twice daily, and the major side effects are severe anaemia (low red blood cells) and birth defects. Women should, therefore, avoid pregnancy during and for 6 months following treatment. Recently, a version of interferon alpha with a longer half-life (pegylated interferon alpha) has been introduced, and the longer half-life means the injections are taken weekly instead of the three times a week with standard interferon alpha. Pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin lead to a sustained response in approximately 50% of patients. A sustained response means that the patient remains free of hepatitis C virus 6 months after stopping therapy. People with hepatitis C should avoid any substances toxic to the liver (hepatotoxic) . All patients with hepatitis C should be immunised against hepatitis A and B also. People with hepatitis C should also be careful not to take vitamins, nutritional supplements, or new over-the-counter medications without first discussing it with their doctor. Patients with hepatitis C should avoid alcohol. Even moderate amounts of alcohol speed up the progression of hepatitis C, and alcohol reduces the effectiveness of the treatment. What are the complications? Chronic hepatitis Cirrhosis What is the prevention? One should avoid contact with blood or blood products whenever possible. Health care workers should practice universal precautions when handling blood and body fluids. One should not inject drugs of abuse, and especially not share needles with anyone. One should be cautious when getting tattoos and body piercings done. Sexual transmission is low among stable, monogamous couples. A partner should be screened for hepatitis C. If the partner is negative, the current recommendations are to make no changes in sexual practices. Individuals having sex outside of a monogamous relationship should practice safer sex behaviours to avoid hepatitis C as well as sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and hepatitis B. Currently there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. |
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