Threat - Con - HCV
Hepatitis C
Definition
An inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Hepatitis C (HCV) is the most common chronic bloodborne infection
in the United States. It is caused by a virus. Persons who may be at
risk for hepatitis C are those who: received a blood transfusion prior to July 1992
received blood, blood products, or solid organs from a donor who has
hepatitis C injected street drugs or shared a needle with someone who has
hepatitis C have been on long term kidney dialysis as a healthcare worker had frequent contact with blood on the job
had sex with a person who has hepatitis C shared personal items, such as toothbrushes and razors which may
have blood on them, with someone who has hepatitis C were born to hepatitis C infected mothers.
Vietnam-era veteran †
Blood transfusion before 1992
Past or present intravenous drug use
Unequivocal blood exposure of skin or mucous membranes
History of multiple sexual partners ††
History of hemodialysis
Tattoo or repeated body piercing
History of intranasal cocaine use
Unexplained liver disease
Unexplained/abnormal ALT
Intemperate or immoderate use of
alcohol †††
† As currently determined by dates of
service or in the age range of 40 to 55 years
†† Defined as more than 10 lifetime sexual partners
††† Defined as more than 50g of alcohol per day for ten or more
years (roughly 10-14g of alcohol = 1 beer)
Note: These variables may be interrelated and are not necessarily
independently related to risk for hepatitis C.
Treatment
Some patients with hepatitis C benefit from being treated with
interferon or a combination of interferon and ribavirin - Rebetron.
The treatment is given by injection, and has a number of side
effects including: flu-like symptoms, headaches, fever, fatigue,
loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, depression and thinning of hair.
The treatment with interferon may also interfere with the production
of white blood cells and platelets, while the combination therapy (Rebetron)
can cause sudden, severe anemia and birth defects. Women should
avoid pregnancy during and for 6 months following treatment.
Generally, 50-60 percent of patients respond to treatment initially
and continued response occurs in about 10-40 percent of patients.
Treatment may be prolonged and given a second time to those who
relapse after initial treatment.
Rest may be recommended during the acute phase of the disease
when the symptoms are most severe. People with hepatitis C should
avoid any substances toxic to the liver (hepatotoxic) and should
limit their use of acetaminophen (Tylenol). All patients with
hepatitis C should be immunized against hepatitis A. 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 doctor. While doctors may differ in their
opinions about drinking alcohol, most recommend against it for
hepatitis C patients.
Prognosis
Hepatitis C is one of the largest causes for chronic liver
disease in the United States today. . It accounts for about 20
percent of acute viral hepatitis, 60 to 70 percent of chronic
hepatitis, and 30 percent of cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, and
liver cancer. At least 80 percent of patients with acute hepatitis C
ultimately develop chronic liver infection, and most of these
patients have accompanying chronic liver disease.
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Important Links:
Hepatitis C Information
Latest Veterans
Administration News
Hepatitis C Testing and Prevention
Counseling Guidelines for VA Health Care Practitioners
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