The Hepatitis C is an infectious disease that is caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) which would primarily affects your liver; it is a type of viral hepatitis.
The Hepatitis C is an infectious disease that is caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) which would primarily affects your liver; it is a type of viral hepatitis.
Regardless of the epidemiologic mode of acquisition of Hepatitis C (HCV) infection.
The Chronic hepatitis follows Acute Hepatitis in 50-70% cases.
Key facts
- Globally, an estimated 58 million people have chronic hepatitis C virus infection, with about 1.5 million new infections occurring per year. There are an estimated 3.2 million adolescents and children with chronic hepatitis C infection.
- WHO estimated that in 2019, approximately 290 000 people died from hepatitis C, mostly from cirrhosis and Hepatocellular carcinoma (primarily from liver cancer).
Transmission
Hepatitis C virus is known blood borne virus. It is seen to be most commonly transmitted through the following:
- The reuse or an inadequate sterilization of the medical equipments, especially if the syringes and the needles in the healthcare settings.
- Transfusion of an unscreened blood and the blood products.
- Injecting the drug use then sharing of the injection equipment.
- Then HCV can also be passed from the infected mother to the baby and also via sexual practices that could lead to an exposure to the blood.
Note: However, Hepatitis C would not spread through the following contact with an infected person:
- Breast milk
- Sharing Food
- Sharing water and Drinks
- Casual contact (example: hugging, kissing)
Symptoms
It is seen that most people would not be having symptoms in first weeks itself after infection. It could take between around two weeks and six months to finally develop symptoms.
The symptoms, later on experienced by the individual are as follows:
- Fever
- Loss Of Appetite
- Feeling Very Tired
- Dark Urine
- Pale Feces
- Nausea And Vomiting
- Abdominal Page
- Joint Pain
- Jaundice
Diagnosis
- To test for the anti-HCV antibodies which have a serological test would also identify people who can be seen infected with this virus.
- In case, the test comes positive for the anti-HCV antibodies, a particular nucleic acid test for the HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) would be needed to confirm the chronic infection and further, the need for your treatment.
- The Innovative new tests such as the HCV core antigen would also be seen in the diagnostic pipeline and this would enable a one-step diagnosis of your active hepatitis C infection in the future.
Diagnostic Criteria
An international group has suggested a set of criteria for establishing a diagnosis of the autoimmune hepatitis.
Exclusion of the liver diseases that are caused by the following:
- Genetic Disorders
- Viral Hepatitis
- Drug Hepatotoxicity
- Alcohol
Risk Factors
Factors that weigh in favor of the diagnosis include the following:
- Female Gender
- Predominant Aminotransferase Elevation
- Presence And Level Of Globulin Elevation
- Presence Of Nuclear Or Smooth Muscle
- LKM1
- Other Auto antibodies
Treatment
There are some effective treatments for the hepatitis C disease. The goal of this treatment is would be to cure the particular disease and also prevent any long-term liver damage.
- The Antiviral Medications, including the following: Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir are used for treatment of hepatitis C.
- The WHO would recommend the therapy with a pan-genotypic direct-acting antiviral (DAAs) for all adults, adolescents and even the children that are down to about 3 years of an age with chronic hepatitis C infection.
- There could be a short-course of the oral, the curative DAA treatment regimens and it has few and if it has any side-effects.
- The duration of this treatment is around 12 to 24 weeks.
Prevention Tips from Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center
- To have a safe and an appropriate use of the healthcare injections.
- To allow a safe handling and also disposal of the needles and the medical waste.
- The harm-reduction services for the people who can inject drugs, example- needle exchange programs, the substance use counseling and the use of an opiate agonist therapy (OAT).
- The testing of the donated blood for hepatitis C virus and also for other viruses
- By training of the health personnel.
- By practicing and incorporating sexual habits that are safe, by using barrier methods (example-condoms)
Extra hepatic Complications
- Cryoglobulinemia
- Sjögren's Syndrome
- Lichen Planus
- Low Platelet Count
- Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
- Necrolytic Acral Erythema
- Insulin Resistance
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Diabetic Nephropathy
- Autoimmune Thyroiditis
- B-Cell Lymphoproliferative Disorders
To seek Free Consultation from the Doctor:
Contact- Dr. Ravin Sharma, (MBBS, MD in Radiology)
Available: 24*7*365
Phone Number: +919212125996
Why Ganesh diagnostic and Imaging Centre should be your preference to screen you for Hepatitis C?
At Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, we are known for providing excellent service and care to its patients for decades. Lakhs of satisfied patients over the years!
It is an established and renowned diagnostic centre since 2001.
Their excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations.
NABH accreditation is proof of highest standard of care and service provided to the patients. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment based on some national and international standards.
Test report is available digitally too.
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of tests done, as all services are available under one roof.
The aim of GDIC is to provide world’s finest technology at the lowest price.
We are based in Delhi NCR Region, and our branches are in the following regions:
Yamuna Vihar, Mangol Puri, Budh Vihar, Model Town, Hari Nagar, Nagloi
The rates of scans are reasonably priced. Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre also offer FLAT 50% OFF on many tests.
Tests Conducted at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center
- Anti Hepatitis C-Virus (HCV): BOOK NOW
- Hepatitis C Antibody (HCV), Rapid Card- BOOK NOW
- Hepatitis C Test- BOOK NOW
- Hepatitis C Antibody Test- BOOK NOW
- Hepatitis C Monitoring Panel- BOOK NOW
- Hepatitis C Qualitative (HCV RNA) PCR- BOOK NOW
- Hepatitis C Viral (HCV) RNA Quantitative- BOOK NOW
- Hepatitis C Viral (HCV) RNA Quantitative Ultra- BOOK NOW
- Hepatitis C Viral Combo- BOOK NOW
- Hepatitis C Viral RNA Genotype 1 NS5a Drug Resistance- BOOK NOW
References:
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis-c
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatitis_C
- Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, 20 th edition, Volume 2
Note from Ganesh Diagnostic & Imaging Center
- Early checkups are always better than delayed ones. Safety, precaution & care are depicted in the several health checkups at our center.
- Here, at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imagining Center, we present simple & comprehensive health packages for any kind of testing to ensure the early prescribed treatment to safeguard your health.
- So, visit us at the earliest to ensure good health and to maintain an active immune system.
