Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C Liver disease caused by infection with hepatitis C virus HCV Six major strains or genotypes

Genotypes Genotype 1 Genotype 1, 2 and 3 Others most common in the United States Genotype 1, 2 and 3 found worldwide Others Type 4 found throughout Africa Type 5 is common in South Africa Type 6 is common in Asia

Functions of the Liver Controls amount of sugar, protein and fat Removes bilirubin, ammonia & other toxins Processes nutrients Produces cholesterol , proteins, etc Breaks down many drugs

How HCV Spreads YES NO Through infected blood By sexual contact sharing needles--most common way By sexual contact From pregnant woman to baby NO Through breast milk Through daily household contact

Incubation Period The time it takes for the first symptoms to appear after the hepatitis C virus has entered the body Usually about 2 weeks to 6 months

Symptoms Acute Hepatitis C Chronic Hepatitis C Fatigue Fatigue Sore muscles Headache Abdominal discomfort Nausea Dark urine or light stools Loss of appetite Aversion to some foods Chronic Hepatitis C Fatigue Malaise Abdominal discomfort Pruritus

Symptoms of Cirrhosis Redness on the palm of the hand (palmar erythema) Spider angiomas usually on the chest and shoulders Ascites Peripheral edema Breakdown (wasting) of muscles

Controllable Risk Factors Sharing needles Having multiple sex partners Having sex with partner who has HCV infection Having body piercing or tattooing with unsterilized equipment Receiving acupuncture with needles improperly sterilized Working in health care

Exams & Tests Hepatitis C antibody test If negative If positive Liver biopsy Diagnostic imaging Importance of genotype

Screening for Hepatitis C Signs or symptoms of liver disease Received blood from donor who later tested positive for HCV infection Ever shared needles, even if years ago

Screening for Hepatitis C Health care worker exposed by needlestick Sex partner has HCV infection

Screening for Hepatitis C Hemodialysis patient Received blood, blood products or a solid organ before 1992 Received blood-clotting factor concentrates before 1989

When acute hepatitis C is treated with medications (such as interferon), the development of progressive, chronic infection may be prevented.

The standard treatment for chronic hepatitis C is a 24-week to 48-week course of peginterferon plus ribavirin. Medications are NOT an option for everyone.

May Feel Better By . . . Not using alcohol Not sharing needles Getting plenty of rest Drinking plenty of fluids Eating nutritious meals Taking prescribed medications Reducing activities Controlling itching from dry skin Seeking help for depression

In this case, a liver transplant may be the only way to prevent death! When hepatitis C progresses, it can cause severe liver damage or end-stage liver failure. In this case, a liver transplant may be the only way to prevent death!

Statistics 70% of people infected with HCV will develop chronic liver disease around 40% of these do not have symptoms in up to 20% of these people, major scarring (cirrhosis) of the liver occurs often takes up to 20 years or longer to develop

Statistics Of those with cirrhosis, 1% to 4% are likely to develop hepatocellular carcinoma each year About 5% of people infected with HCV will die because of these long-term complications.

Prevention No vaccine is available to prevent infection with the virus that causes hepatitis C

Home Treatment Slow down Eat regular, nutritious meals Avoid alcohol and drugs Try to control itching Seek help for depression

Liver Transplantation May be the only way to prevent death caused by end-stage liver failure Only people in good health are considered Lifelong follow-up

Liver Transplantation Immunosuppressants can cause other problems Hepatitis C almost always infects the new liver serious problem! Antiviral treatment may prevent or delay the virus’ return

Other Treatment No other treatment is recommended for hepatitis C at this time No complementary or alternative treatments have been proven to reduce symptoms or cure hepatitis C some herbal therapies (such as kava) can actually damage the liver milk thistle may protect the liver