Hepatitis C:
The silent liver destroyer
O
WRITTEN BY Mary Sauer
Often an asymptomatic disease, it is no wonder that The FDA is expected to approve two new drugs at least 50 percent of individuals with hepatitis C later this year that have an anticipated success of remain unaware they have been infected. greater than 95 percent. Additionally, side effects According to Fredric Regenstein, M.D. of the Saint may be much easier to tolerate and treatment time Luke’s Health System Liver Disease Management may be shortened. Program, there are many factors that put an Avoidance of diagnosis or treatment is often deadly. individual at risk for being infected with hepatitis Although hepatitis C can be asymptomatic for many C. Those with a history of injected drug use are at years, it can cause severe liver damage, sometimes the highest risk. He states that it is important for resulting in liver failure or liver cancer. In the last individuals to understand that even those who only decade, deaths resulting from liver cancer have more experimented once or twice are being diagnosed with than doubled. this disease. Because of this, the medical community in Kansas Additionally, if any of the following risk factors City is working hard to ensure that education and apply to you, you should diagnosis is available to also seek screening: If you at-risk individuals. Dr. Avoidance of diagnosis or treatment received a blood transfusion Regenstein is one of the is often deadly. Although hepatitis C or organ transplant prior leading authorities on the can be asymptomatic for many to 1992, if you are a child management and diagnosis years, it can cause severe liver or partner of an individual of hepatitis C. He has damage, sometimes resulting in infected with hepatitis C, been an important part of if you have hemophilia, the efforts to encourage liver failure or liver cancer. In the last elevated liver chemistries education and screening decade, deaths resulting from liver or are on hemodialysis. for at-risk individuals. cancer have more than doubled. In hopes of capturing a His efforts have included large portion of at-risk setting up free screening individuals, anyone born between the years of 1945 clinics in August of 2012 and 2013. and 1965 are also being encouraged to receive a At this time, screening can be obtained at minimal screening for hepatitis C. cost from your primary care physician. The Kansas At this time, treatment for hepatitis C is difficult City Missouri Health Department offers free because of the many side effects that accompany it. screenings five days a week with an appointment at Treatment is successful for 70 percent of those who their Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic located complete treatment, with 30 percent of the patients at 2400 Troost Avenue, Suite 2000. After testing, dropping out of treatment due to the severity of the results are available within 10 days. Counseling on side effects. These side effects include depression, treatment options is also offered to individuals who nausea, vomiting, fatigue and skin rashes. According test positive for the virus. to Dr. Regenstein, these side effects should not Appointments can be scheduled by calling be a cause for avoiding screenings or treatment. 816-513-6397. Additional information about the Individuals infected with hepatitis C do have hope for clinic and facts sheets for the hepatitis C virus can be easier, more effective treatment. found at kcmo.org/CKCMO/Depts/Health/. KC
50 livingwellnesskc.com november | december 2013