Hepatitis C virus (HCV)

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an organism that primarily affects the liver. The disease is spread by direct contact with the blood of a person infected with the virus. Of people who are exposed to HVC, approximately 80% will become chronic carriers. HCV can cause chronic (long-lasting) inflammation and scarring (cirrhosis) of the liver. There are generally no symptoms of HCV or early cirrhosis, and as such many people are not aware they are infected unless their blood is tested.

Risk Factors

Several factors increase the chances that an individual will become infected with HVC. They are as follows:

• Receiving a blood transfusion
• Intravenous drug use
• Tattoos and body piercing
• Sharing razors and needles
• Environmental or occupational exposure to infected blood
• Employment as a healthcare professional
• Infants born to HCV infected mothers
• High-risk sexual behavior, multiple partners, and sexually transmitted diseases

Diagnosis of Chronic Hepatitis C

Individuals infected with HCV are often identified by their elevated liver enzymes during a routine blood test, or because a hepatitis C antibody is found to be present at the time of a blood donation. Once the antibody is found, other tests can be done to provide more information. These include:

• Viral load: a measurement that determines the amount of HepC genetic material found in the blood.
• Genotype: identifies the strain of the virus. There are currently six genotypes and several subtypes of HCV known to scientists.
• Liver function tests: used to determine liver function and whether inflammation is present.
• Abdominal ultrasound: used to detect fat or tumors in the liver
• Liver biopsy: used to determine the amount of inflammation and scarring present by removing a tissue sample from the liver for examination.

Complications of Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a slow-growing virus and signs of inflammation in the liver do not usually show up until 10-20 years after initial exposure. However, undetected/untreated HCV can cause cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure, and liver cancer. About 20-30% of people with HVC develop cirrhosis within 20 to 30 years after the onset of infection.

Treatment of HCV

Currently, pegylated (long-acting) interferon and ribavirin is the treatment of choice. Treatment can last 6 to 12 months or longer depending upon the patient’s response. Response to treatment is affected by the following:

• The amount of virus in the blood – a count of 2 million or less is favorable.
• The genotype of the virus – types 2 or 3 respond more favorably to treatment.
• The presence or absence of scarring in the liver – the less damage the better the chance of a favorable response to treatment.

Follow-up care with your doctor

It is important to consult with your doctor regarding any medications you may currently be taking. Some medications (prescribed or over the counter) and dietary and herbal supplements can be harmful to the liver. It also recommended keeping regular appointments with your doctor so that you can be tested and monitored. A great deal of research is currently being performed to combat HVC and the medical profession continues to acquire new information. By checking with your doctor frequently, you can be made aware of changes and new treatments, making it possible for you to live a more productive and healthy life.

For more information, please contact
Bangkok GI & Liver Center
Tel. (662) 310 3403
Email : info@bangkokhospital.com