Dr. M.J. Bazos, MD
Patient Handout
HEPATITIS
C
About Your
Diagnosis
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It is
caused by at least five different types of viruses. One of the types of viruses
is the C virus. Hepatitis C has also been called non-A, non-B hepatitis. The
incidence of hepatitis C is 1 case per 10,000 individuals. Hepatitis C is
transmitted though exposure to infected blood or blood products. The hepatitis C
virus causes most cases of hepatitis that occur after a blood transfusion.
Hepatitis C can also be transmitted through intravenous drug use, and other
exposures from contaminated blood or bloodcontaining products. In about 40% of
cases, the exposure is not identified. In general, individuals infected with
hepatitis C are often identified because they are found to have elevated liver
enzymes on a routine blood test. Others are identified because a hepatitis C
antibody is found to be positive at the time of a blood donation. At least 50%
of the cases of hepatitis C may become chronic. In these individuals, a liver
biopsy may need to be done to determine the severity of liver
damage.
Living With Your
Diagnosis
One of main symptoms of
hepatitis C is jaundice, a yellow color to the skin or whites of the eyes. The
jaundice is caused by the excess bilirubin in the blood. The excess bilirubin
can also lead to other symptoms such as pale or clay-colored stools, dark urine,
and generalized itching. “Flulike” symptoms of fatigue, loss of
appetite, nausea and vomiting, and low-grade fever may occur several days before
the jaundice appears. If chronic hepatitis C develops, the symptoms can vary.
Some individuals may remain well. Others will have severe and persistent liver
inflammation. This may eventually lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. Cirrhosis
is scarring of the liver. The scarring does not allow the liver to do its job of
removing toxic substances from the blood. Cirrhosis can lead to additional
complications, including accumulation of fluid in the body (ascites) or bleeding
from veins in the esophagus (varices). If the liver is chronically scarred,
hepatocellular cancer can
develop.
Treatment
There
is no specific treatment for acute hepatitis C. Most individuals can be cared
for at home. Rest and proper diet are recommended when the symptoms are most
severe. Individuals with acute hepatitis should avoid alcohol and any substances
that are toxic to the liver. Individuals with chronic hepatitis C can be treated
with the drug, interferon alpha-2b. However only 10% to 15% of patients treated
with interferon have a longlasting response. Patients can be treated a second
time in hopes of inducing a remission. The goal of treatment with interferon is
to improve or normalize the liver function tests and reduce the inflammation in
the liver. This will in turn slow or interrupt the development of the
complications of cirrhosis. Interferon frequently causes side effects, including
“flulike” symptoms, depression, headache, and decreased appetite. In
addition, interferon can cause problems with the bone
marrow.
The
DOs
• Bed rest may be necessary
until the jaundice disappears and the appetite
returns.
• A well-balanced diet with
plenty of fluids is essential.
• Make
sure you properly wash your hands if you have hepatitis or are caring for
someone with the disease. This is particularly important after contact with
blood or other body fluids.
• An
individual with hepatitis C should use separate or disposable eating and
drinking utensils.
• If you have
multiple sexual partners, a latex condom should be used. It may prevent
transmission of the virus.
• If
exposed to blood and body fluid on the job, use proper protective equipment such
as gloves and eye protection to lessen the chance of accidental
exposure.
The
DON’Ts
• Avoid any
substances that may be harmful to the liver. The avoidance of alcohol is key.
• Fatty foods may not be well
tolerated in individuals with hepatitis
C
• If you have had hepatitis C, you
should not donate blood. All blood is screened for the hepatitis C
virus.
• Women who have had hepatitis
C or have chronic hepatitis C should not breast-feed their
babies.
• If you are an intravenous
drug addict, do not share needles and other equipment because they can be
contaminated.
When to Call Your
Doctor
• If you have been exposed
to someone who has hepatitis C or if you have symptoms of the
disease.
• If hepatitis C symptoms do
not resolve within 16 weeks.