HEPATITIS C
About 2.7 million people in the United States have hepatitis C.
Chronic hepatitis C is the most common chronic liver disease and accounts for 8,000 to 13,000 deaths each year.
The majority of liver transplants performed in the US are done for people with chronic hepatitis C.
TRANSMISSION
The virus is spread by contact with blood such as blood transfusions and unprotected intercourse.
Hepatitis C transmission can occur by sharing household items that carry the virus such as toothbrushes and razors.
Please note that there is 5 to 6 % risk of transmitting virus to fetus during pregnancy.
SYMPTOMS
Many people with chronic hepatitis C have no symptoms, even if there is significant liver damage.
Nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue , nausea, lack of appetite and weight loss are seen.
20 percent of people will develop cirrhosis 20 years after becoming infected.
DIAGNOSIS
Hepatitis C is diagnosed with a blood test because a person has risk factors for the infection such as
Anyone who was given donated blood or organs before July 1992 or blood clotting factors before
1987
Recent exposure to blood infected with HCV (eg, an accidental needle stick)
Being HIV positive
Past or current sexual partner of a person with HCV
Previous or current use of IV drugs
Previous or current use of hemodialysis for kidney failure
TREATMENT
- Avoid using alcohol and hepatotoxic drugs
- Vaccinate against hepatitis A and B unless already immune
- Influenza vaccination is recommended once per year
- Pneumococcal vaccine is recommended every five years
- Diphtheria and tetanus booster immunizations every ten years
- Pegylated interferon and ribavirin
For more information please see
www.gastro.org
www.acg.gi.org
www.aasld.org
www.cdc.gov