Hepatitis Cx Presentations Flashcards
What is the clinical significance behind the high genetic variability of Hepatitis C virus?
High replication rate and a lack of proof-reading function of viral RNA polymerase limits the ability to develop vaccines and for the host immune system to control the virus. This virus has 6 serotypes, in which Genotype 1 is common in the US.
Define the major trend in the incidence of Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C incidence rates REFLECT the growing rates of IV drug use in the opioid epidemic. 60-80% of people with Hep C develop a CHRONIC infection.
What age group has the HIGHEST increase in Hep C incidence rates?
Ages 20 - 29
List at least 5 factors that propagate the transmission of HCV.
- IV Drug users
- Multiple partners
- MSM (homosexuals)
- Incarceration
- Contaminated piercings
What proportion of HCV patients will develop a chronic infection? Name 3 end-stage manifestations of the disease.
80% develop chronic HCV infection;
Cirrhosis, jaundice or carcinoma can develop as end-stage factors.
Briefly describe the diagnostic tests used for HCV.
- Antibody - 99% sensitive and specific
2. Real time PCR (aka NAAT)
What 2 non-invasive tests can be used to assess the extent of liver fibrosis in an HCV patient?
- Fibrosure - combination tests that gauges the degree of fibrosis
- Elastography - ultrasound measures liver stiffness.
Classify the type of virus that Hepatitis C is.
HCV = enveloped, (+) sense RNA virus that is a human infection. It can now be curable and eradicated if everyone in the world were treated for it.
What is the importance of SVR as it pertains to HCV treatment?
Sustained Virologic Response after 12 weeks of oral anti-viral regimen is the measure of cure for Hep C. People with SVR > 12 have lower mortality rates, cirrhosis and less need for liver transplant
What are some common treatments that can be used for Hepatitis C infection?
- Ribavirin
- Protease Inhibitors
- IFN-alpha
What is the Direct Acting Antiviral Treatment (DAA) for HCV.
This is an oral regimen that targets specific non-structural proteins for HCV to impair viral replication
What is an example of a “pan-genotypic” protease inhibitor (DAA)?
Velpatasvir is a pan-genotypic DAA. It’s highly effective against all 6 genotypes.
In what 3 ways does Hepatitis B differ from Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis B:
- enveloped DNA virus
- Only 5-10% develop chronic infection
- majority of people have (+) serology for HBV as asymptomatic children (inactive carrier state)
What patient population is most likely to acquire chronic HBV?
Perinatal or young children are likely to develop chronic HBV infection. They present in an inactive carrier state.
What are the relative levels of AST and ALT liver enzymes in alcoholic vs viral hepatitis?
Alcoholic Hepatitis = AST “S for sauced” is greater;
Viral Hepatitis = ALT is usually greater
How infectious is HBV compared to the other hepatitis infections? How is it transmitted?
HBV is the most infectious hepatitis virus, even more infectious than HIV. It’s transmitted via IV drug users, sex or mixing of blood during birth.
Any patient with chronically elevated _____ should be tested for HBV and HCV.
Chronically elevated ALT (indicates viral hepatitis)