Hepatitis C
Source :
http://www.singhealth.com.sg/Patient...epatitisC.aspx
Who should receive treatment for HCV infection?]
Patients with raised liver enzymes and liver biopsy indicating active inflammation. The role for intervention is strengthened if the patient's blood shows the presence of viral RNA ( HCV RNA ).
* Patients with acute hepatitis C
* Patients with HCV infection complicated by essential mixed cryoglobulinemia.
* Patients with concurrent stable HIV infection, as these patients may have an accelerated course.
Who should not be treated with interferon?
* Patient with normal liver function tests
* Patient with only mild symptoms like fatigue and no other clinical or laboratory abnormalities.
* Patients who are drug abusers or active alcoholics. These patients are generally not compliant and should therefore receive treatment for substance abuse before commencing HCV therapy.
* Patients with major psychiatric illness.
* Patients with hyperthyroidism.
* Patients with blood disorders
* Patients with abnormalities of the immune system eg. systemic lupus erythematosis
* Patients who have had a renal transplant and is currently receiving immunosuppressive treatment to prevent graft rejection.
Prevention
* HCV positive carriers should avoid donating blood, tissue, organs or semen.
* Safer sexual practices should be strongly encouraged in persons with multiple sexual partners eg. by using latex condoms.
* Avoid sharing razors and toothbrushes with members of the household who are HCV carriers.
* Intravenous drug users should not share needles/syringes.
* Pregnancy is not contraindicated in HCV carriers. However the child should be tested for antibodies against HCV at one year of age.