Hepatitis

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The hepatitis virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease in the United States. In some cases, hepatitis patients will develop peripheral neuropathy.

The hepatitis virus is spread mainly by direct contact with infected blood (or blood products) through an opening in the skin or through a mucus membrane.

Hepatitis B virus can cause liver infection. The virus, transmitted through blood and bodily fluids that contain blood, attacks liver cells. Some hepatitis B patients will develop peripheral neuropathy.

Hepatitis B virus is spread mainly by direct contact with infected blood through unprotected sexual intercourse or sharing contaminated needles or syringes. About 90 to 95 percent of adults with hepatitis B will recover within six months and become immune from further infection. Patients who don’t recover become carriers of the virus and can infect others, even if they do not show signs or symptoms of the disease. These chronic sufferers of hepatitis B may also develop severe liver damage including cirrhosis (scarring of liver tissue) or liver cancer. The likelihood of developing chronic hepatitis B is higher for younger patients.

While there is no cure for hepatitis B, there is a vaccine to protect against infection. The vaccination is taken in three doses over six months.

Symptoms & Signs

(Not all symptoms and signs may be present.)

For peripheral neuropathy:

It’s possible to have no symptoms, or to have symptoms that appear suddenly and then vanish, without the patient or doctor noticing or understanding the cause. The symptoms will vary, depending upon the parts of the body that are affected.

Symptoms may include:

  • Numbness, pain, tingling in hands or feet

For hepatitis B:

  • Abdominal pain near the liver
  • Fatigue lasting for weeks or months
  • Fever
  • Jaundice
  • Joint pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea

Evaluation & Tests

(Not all evaluation and tests may be necessary)

  • Neurological exam
  • Electromyography
  • Nerve conduction velocity test
  • Blood tests , including tests for hepatitis B virus and antibody directed against this virus
  • Test liver enzymes
  • Liver biopsy

Treatment & Therapy

(Not all treatments and therapies may be indicated)

  • Avoid alcoholic beverages
  • Antiviral drugs and drug combination therapies
  • Intron-A injections
  • Lamivudine, taken orally
  • Liver transplant may be necessary for liver failure
  • Maintain healthy lifestyle
  • Take safety measures to compensate for loss of sensation

Currently, the major way of contracting hepatitis C is through sharing contaminated needles or syringes. Although many cases of hepatitis C were transmitted through blood transfusions, modern screening techniques introduced in 1991 have virtually eliminated transfusion-related hepatitis C. However, many people acquire the virus by using contaminated equipment for tattooing, body piercing or acupuncture, or through intranasal cocaine use by sharing equipment. Transmission of the virus by sexual contact or childbirth is rare.

Hepatitis C virus causes an inflammation of the liver that can lead to liver disease, including cirrhosis (scarring of liver tissue), liver failure, and liver cancer. A slow and chronic disease, hepatitis C virus infection can take 10 to 40 years to seriously damage the liver. With proper treatment, some patients may recover completely.

Symptoms & Signs

(Not all symptoms and signs may be present)

There may not be specific symptoms, but the most likely symptoms include:

For peripheral neuropathy:

  • Numbness, pain, tingling in hands or feet

For hepatitis C:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Dark urine
  • Fatigue
  • General feeling of malaise
  • Jaundice
  • Loss of appetite
  • Mild fever and headaches
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Nausea
  • Weakness

Evaluation & Tests

(Not all evaluation and tests may be necessary)

  • Neurological exam
  • Electromyography
  • Nerve conduction velocity test
  • Blood tests, including tests for hepatitis C virus and hepatitis C antibody test (anti-HCV)

Treatment & Therapy

(Not all treatments and therapies may be indicated)

  • Avoid alcoholic beverages
  • Drug and drug combination therapies
  • Interferon injections
  • Ribavirin, taken orally
  • Liver transplant may be necessary for liver failure
  • Maintain healthy lifestyle
  • Take safety measures to compensate for loss of sensation
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