Protect Your Liver from Hepatitis

Every year, 1.3 million people lose their lives to Hepatitis. New data from the World Health Organization shows the number of deaths is rising. Over 300 million people are living with Hepatitis, which is the leading cause of liver cancer.

How does it spread? 

Hepatitis B and C are infections that are spread through blood or body fluids, in a similar manner as diseases like HIV. Modes of spread include shared / reused needles, unsterile equipment and unprotected sex with multiple partners. India reports that 3 – 4% of the population are affected with Hepatitis B and 0.5 - 1.5% carry Hepatitis C. Hepatitis B can also spread from mother to child at birth. Sadly, most patients carrying these viruses are unaware of it, and the virus lies dormant in the liver for a long period of time causing severe liver damage. This year it is time for action, to test and treat, to vaccinate. 

What are the symptoms? 

Hepatitis B and C are asymptomatic. Symptoms occur only when the liver is more than 70% damaged. Patients may develop tiredness, jaundice, lack of interest in food, weight loss, fluid accumulation in the belly and legs, may vomit blood or pass black motion, and may become confused. This condition is called ‘end stage’ liver disease. The viruses affect different people in different ways, which makes early diagnosis very important. The only sure way to detect the virus is by testing. 

Complications of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C: 

Serious complications can occur in 10 to 20% of patients, which include: 

• Liver Cirrhosis: The liver has the amazing ability to regenerate itself. But when the damage is too much, as can happen in chronic Hepatitis, healthy liver tissue is gradually replaced with scar tissue which affects the functioning of the liver. This is called Cirrhosis. 

• Liver Failure: Here, the liver is no longer able to perform its normal functions. End stage liver failure because of Hepatitis B and C are common causes for liver transplants. 

• Liver Cancer: Patients with chronic Hepatitis B and C are more likely to develop liver cancer, especially after the liver is significantly damaged

Prevention: 

For Hepatitis B, there is a preventive vaccine. In patients with active virus, there are medicines to reduce and control the virus, prevent further liver damage, prevent the development of liver failure and liver cancer. Universal vaccination for all children will go a long way in the prevention of liver failure and liver cancer, and towards eradication of the virus. All adults are also encouraged to test and treat or vaccinate. 

Whist there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, there are now very effective medicines that can achieve a complete cure and elimination of the virus in almost 95% of patients. The time has come to test and treat, as there may be no symptoms in the early stages. 

Initiate timely screening 

Screening for Hepatitis C is quick and painless and involves a simple blood test. It checks for antibodies to the Hepatitis C virus that the body develops in response to infection. 

Hepatitis B can be identified through screening blood tests that look for specific viral antigens called HBsAg. Both Hepatitis B and C patients should have detailed tests to assess their liver status. These tests include liver function tests, Alpha-Fetoprotein, Ultrasound and a Fibroscan (screening for fibrosis of liver). 

Let us all take a pledge to spread awareness, and to take necessary steps to eliminate hepatitis B and C by 2030. Let us test and treat. Let us test and vaccinate.

Featuring insights from Dr. N. Murugan, Senior Consultant Hepatologist, Apollo Hospitals, Greams Lane, Chennai

? For appointments, call Apollo Hospitals Chennai at 044 4040 1066