1. Hepatitis C

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

3. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

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

13. 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

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

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

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

17. 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.

18. 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

19. 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!

20. 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

21. 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.

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

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

24. 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

25. 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

26. 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