Related articles: Hepatitis C
Definition
Hepatitis C is an infectious disease that affects the liver, causing it to become inflamed. The causative agent, called hepatitis C virus (HCV), is an RNA virus belonging to the Flavivirus family.
The transmission of the infection occurs mainly through direct contact with the blood of an already infected person. Therefore, parenteral infection can be facilitated by the sharing of needles and syringes for the inoculation of drugs and the use of medical or aesthetic instruments (eg for performing tattoos and piercings) that are not adequately sterilized. After the introduction of mandatory blood screening, the risk of contracting hepatitis C via transfusions is considered unlikely. Less frequent, on the other hand, is the transmission of infection through unprotected sexual intercourse and vertically, that is from an infected mother to a child, during childbirth.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Anorexia
- Ascites
- Asthenia
- Cachexia
- Spleen pain
- Pain in the upper part of the abdomen
- Articolar pains
- Muscle pains
- Bruising
- Edema
- Hepatomegaly
- Erythema
- Ease of bleeding and bruising
- Temperature
- I made clear
- Swollen legs
- Abdominal swelling
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Portal hypertension
- Jaundice
- Leukopenia
- Stomach ache
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- thrombocytopenia
- Proteinuria
- itch
- Acquagenic Itching
- Rheumatism
- Water retention
- Nephritic syndrome
- Nephrotic syndrome
- splenomegaly
- steatorrhea
- Dark urine
Further indications
Hepatitis C can manifest itself in acute form: within six months, the immune system is able to eradicate the virus. However, in most cases (85%), the disease is asymptomatic and a long-term or chronic HCV infection develops. The virus can thus continue to seriously damage the liver. After many years, chronic hepatitis C can develop into cirrhosis of the liver or hepatocellular carcinoma. A fulminant and fatal course, however, is observed very rarely.
Hepatitis C has an average incubation period of 5-10 weeks, with an interval ranging from 2 weeks to 6 months. During the acute phase, the disease can run asymptomatically or cause vague manifestations, which do not differ much from those of other hepatitis. These manifestations may include: generalized malaise, weakness, low-grade fever, discomfort in the upper quadrants of the abdomen, nausea, loss of appetite, muscle and, sometimes, joint pains. Jaundice is usually absent.
Even in the resulting chronic hepatitis, the symptoms are usually absent or non-specific. The infection often takes decades before giving clinically relevant manifestations, which make evident the progression towards cirrhosis or the presence of chronic liver disease (with skin rash, signs of cholestasis and splenomegaly, up to organ insufficiency). Hepatocellular carcinoma can follow a related HCV hepatic cirrhosis.
The diagnosis of hepatitis C is based on the search for viral RNA (by PCR) and antibodies against the antigens of the virus responsible for infection (HCV Ab), through various serological tests. In addition, to investigate the causes of a liver-related problem, it is possible to resort to further tests (eg liver biopsy).
The consolidated treatment of hepatitis C involves the combination of interferon alpha and ribavirin, drugs able to inhibit the replication of the virus and limit liver damage; recently a very effective drug called sofosbuvir, always associated with ribavirin, was introduced into therapy. This therapeutic protocol is able to effectively combat the disease, especially if started early. For those who develop cirrhosis or liver cancer, however, a liver transplant may be indicated.
To date, a vaccine has not yet been developed that effectively protects against hepatitis C. The only way to prevent infection is to respect general hygiene rules and avoid potential risk factors, such as using disposable syringes and avoid exchanging personal hygiene items (toothbrush, scissors and razors).
Under certain circumstances, hepatitis C can also be transmitted through sexual contact which can cause injury. Therefore, it is important to use a condom, especially during occasional intercourse.
