Hepatitis C

Diagnosing Hepatitis C

While the hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be detected in blood between one to three weeks after the initial exposure, 80 percent of people with hepatitis C have no symptoms and go undiagnosed. Within approximately 50 days, most will begin to develop liver cell injury, although they will be asymptomatic (symptom-free).

About 15 percent of those exposed to HCV will clear their system of the virus within six months.

The remaining 85 percent will develop some level of chronic hepatitis C. Over time, this can cause serious liver damage, although the rate of progression can vary significantly from individual to individual.

Symptoms of hepatitis C

Symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
• Abdominal pain
• Aches and pains
• Itching
• Hives
• Joint pain
• Darker colored urine
• Loose, light-colored stool
• Nausea
• Vomiting

And, cigarette smokers may suddenly dislike the taste of cigarettes.

In addition to some of the above symptoms, chronic hepatitis C infection may also cause:

• Weakness
• Severe fatigue
• Loss of appetite

Testing for hepatitis C

To diagnose hepatitis C, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.

Your doctor will also want to discuss your risk factors for hepatitis C.

Tests may include:

• Blood tests — to look for hepatitis C antibodies (proteins that your body has made to fight the hepatitis C virus) or genetic material from the virus
• Liver biopsy — removal of a sample of liver tissue to be examined

Complications of hepatitis C

Serious complications of hepatitis C infection include:

• The possibility that the infection will become chronic, leading to progressive liver failure
• Increased risk of liver cancer
• Cirrhosis

Within about 20 years of exposure, approximately 20 percent of individuals develop cirrhosis, which leads to end-stage liver disease. Alcohol use can dramatically speed the onset of cirrhosis.

To schedule an appointment, or for more information, call the UPMC Liver Cancer Center, toll-free, at 1-855-74-LIVER or complete our contact form now.

Hepatitis C Treatment

Hepatitis C is treated with the following medicines:

• Interferon, given by injection
• Ribavirin, given orally
• Combination of interferon and ribavirin

These medicines have limited success rates and can cause difficult side effects.

Even with treatment, hepatitis C may not clear up within six months.

Over a long period of time, chronic hepatitis C can cause serious liver damage. In rare cases, a liver transplant may be necessary.

Hepatitis C Prevention

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread, primarily, through contact with infected blood.

To prevent becoming infected with hepatitis C:

• Do not inject illicit drugs, especially with shared needles. Seek help to stop using drugs.
• Do not have sex with partners who have sexually transmitted diseases.
• Practice safe sex (using latex condoms) or abstain from sex.
• Limit your number of sexual partners.
• Avoid sharing personal hygiene products that might have blood on them, such as:
• Razors
• Toothbrushes
• Nail clippers
• Pierced earrings
• Avoid handling items that may be contaminated by HCV-infected blood.
• Donate your own blood before elective surgery for use if you need a blood transfusion.

If you have hepatitis C

If you have hepatitis C, you can prevent the spread of your infection by:

• Telling your dentist and doctors before receiving checkups or treatment.
• Getting both hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccinations.
• Never donating blood or organs for transplant.