Viral Hepatitis

Home » Viral Hepatitis » Hepatitis C, Causes & Risk Factors, Treatment, Prevention

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C (HCV) was discovered in 1988. While acute infection rarely causes symptoms, 80% of all hepatitis C infection results in chronic disease that lasts for more than 6 months. Remission can occur in up to 15% of people infected with HCV. It is a slow-developing disease that can lead to liver damage and liver cancer 30 years after infection. Four percent of infected people die from HCV disease.

Causes and Risk Factors
Risk factors for HCV are the same for hepatitis B virus. HCV is most commonly contracted from injection drug use, blood transfusion (before 1995), and probably through sexual contact. Contraction of HCV from a shared, blood-contaminated cocaine straw has been reported. Hemodialysis patients and health care workers are also at risk.

Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms are the same as for other types of hepatitis. Chronic infection may persist without producing symptoms.

Diagnosis
Testing the blood for the hepatitis C antibody and elevated transaminase enzymes is the first step in diagnosis. Because the disease commonly causes severe liver damage, a biopsy is often performed if the antibody is found. A biopsy involves inserting a needle into the liver to obtain a tissue sample. The tissue is examined for structural deterioration, inflammatory cells, and any other changes in cell size or shape.

Treatment
Treatment of HCV involves interferon and ribavirin, also an antiviral drug. Ribavirin is given orally and may cause side effects like depression and anemia (below-normal number of red blood cells). It is also associated with birth defects and should be avoided during pregnancy and during the 6 months prior to conception. Interferon is given as an injection, usually three times a week. Newer formulations are given only once weekly. Treatment is needed for 6 to 12 months and a significant number of patients are cured.

HCV-related liver damage may result in liver failure and the need for transplant. Nearly one-half of all liver transplants in the United States are performed for HCV illness.

Prevention
There is no vaccine for HCV. The same preventive guidelines apply for HCV as apply to other types of hepatitis, including safer sex and avoiding used drug, tattoo, and piercing needles.

© 1998-2008 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Viral Hepatitis Resources

	Join Our Viral Hepatitis Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted.
	Stay Updated Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you.
Are you interested in becoming a nurse? Take this test. Advertising Disclaimer To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar. Advertising Disclaimer