Hepatitis C

?

Definition
Hepatitis C is a viral disease that leads to swelling (inflammation) of the liver.

Symptoms
Many people who are infected with hepatitis C do not have symptoms.
If the infection has been present for many years, the liver may be permanently scarred, a condition called cirrhosis. In many cases, there may be no symptoms of the disease until cirrhosis has developed.
The following symptoms could occur with hepatitis C infection:

Abdominal pain (right upper abdomen)
Ascites
Bleeding varices (dilated veins in the esophagus)
Dark urine
Fatigue
Generalized itching
Jaundice
Loss of appetite
Low-grade fever
Nausea
Pale or clay-colored stools
Vomiting

Causes & Risks
Hepatitis C infection is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). People who may be at risk for hepatitis C are those who:

Have been on long-term kidney dialysis
Have regular contact with blood at work (for instance, as a health care worker)
Have unprotected sexual contact with a person who has hepatitis C (this is less common, but the risk increases for those who have multiple sex partners, already have a sexually transmitted disease, or are infected with HIV)
Inject street drugs or share a needle with someone who has hepatitis C
Received a blood transfusion before July 1992
Received a tattoo or acupuncture with contaminated instruments (the risk is very low with licensed, commercial tattoo facilities)
Received blood, blood products, or solid organs from a donor who has hepatitis C
Share personal items such as toothbrushes and razors with someone who has hepatitis C (less common)
Were born to a hepatitis C-infected mother (this is less common than with hepatitis B)

Hepatitis C has an acute and chronic form. Most people who are infected with the virus develop chronic hepatitis C.
Other hepatitis virus infections include hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Each viral hepatitis infection is caused by a different virus.

Tests & Diagnostics
The following tests are done to help diagnose hepatitis C:

ELISA assay to detect hepatitis C antibody
Hepatitis C genotype. Six genotypes exist. Most Americans have genotype 1 infection, which is the most difficult to treat.
Hepatitis C RNA assays to determine virus levels (called viral load)

The following tests are done to identify and monitor liver damage from hepatitis C:

Liver function tests
Albumin level
Prothrombin time

Liver biopsy can show how much damage has been done to the liver.

Treatments
There is no cure for hepatitis C, but medications in some cases can suppress the virus for a long period of time.
Some patients with hepatitis C benefit from treatment with medications. The most common medications are a combination of interferon alpha and ribavirin, an antiviral medication.

Most patients receive weekly injections just under the skin with a form called pegylated interferon alpha.
Ribavirin is a capsule taken twice daily. The major side effect is low red blood cells (anemia). Ribavirin also causes birth defects. Women should avoid getting pregnant during, and for 6 months after, treatment.
Treatment is given for 24 - 48 weeks.

These medications have a number of side effects, including:

Depression
Fatigue
Fever
Flu-like symptoms
Headache
Irritability
Loss of appetite
Low white blood cell counts and platelets
Nausea
Thinning of hair
Vomiting

See: Cirrhosis for information about treating more severe liver damage caused by hepatitis C.
Patients who develop cirrhosis or liver cancer may be candidates for a liver transplant.
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 health care provider.
Avoid any substances that are toxic to the liver (hepatotoxic), including alcohol. Even moderate amounts of alcohol speed up the progression of hepatitis C, and alcohol reduces the effectiveness of treatment.
Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.

Alternative Therapies
You can often ease the stress of illness by joining a support group of people who share common experiences and problems. See liver disease - resources.

Prevention
Avoid contact with blood or blood products whenever possible. Health care workers should follow precautions when handling blood and bodily fluids.
Do not inject illicit drugs, and especially do not share needles with anyone. Be careful when getting tattoos and body piercings.
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.
People who have sex outside of a monogamous relationship should practice safer sex behaviors to avoid hepatitis C as well as sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and hepatitis B.
Currently there is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

To

?

?Hepatitis COriginally from: http://www.nursinglink.monster.com/news/articles/13137-hepatitis-c

View this post on my blog: http://travelnursesuccess.com/hepatitis-c