Liver Disease

What is Hepatitis B?
Infection of the liver is caused by the hepatitis C virus. It can cause both acute and chronic hepatitis
infection, ranging in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness.
55–85% of persons will develop chronic HCV infection. Of those with chronic HCV infection, the risk of cirrhosis of the liver is 15–30% within 20 years.

Transmission
Incubation Period – 2 weeks to 6 months
It is transmitted by sharing infected drugs and needles, sexual contact with infected person, infected
mother to child (pregnancy/labour), unscreened blood, blood product transfusion

Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms are generally mild and vague, including a decreased appetite, fatigue, nausea, muscle or
joint pains, and weight loss and rarely does acute liver failure result. Most cases of acute infection
are not associated with jaundice. The infection resolves spontaneously in 10–50%.
55–85% of persons will develop chronic HCV infection. Of those with chronic HCV infection, the risk of cirrhosis of the liver is 15–30% within 20 years.

Evaluation
Abnormal Liver Function Tests - elevated enzymes
Serology
Imaging of abdomen
Liver Biopsy if required

Treatment
Antiviral drugs and interferon
Established cirrhosis and complications – liver transplant

Prevention
No effective vaccine available at present. Avoid sharing needles, screening of blood products, safe
sexual practices, uni versal precautions for health care workers.