One Life, One Liver: 5 Things You Should Know About Hepatitis

The average individual has heard of Hepatitis but many people do not have the right information for this knowledge to be useful. To change that, this article aims to highlight the necessity of treatment to optimize liver health and testing to prevent liver disease. We also want to showcase the need for increasing viral hepatitis prevention efforts because the liver is essential for a healthy life.

The liver carries out some critical functions in the body. It supports immunity, metabolism, detoxification, vitamin storage, and plays a role in nearly every organ system. Thus, anything that affects its function must be taken seriously. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, which can be self-limiting in some cases. On the other hand, the condition can progress to cirrhosis, fibrosis, or liver cancer.

Subsequently, we'll discuss 5 aspects and things to know about Hepatitis.

Types and Causes of Hepatitis

There are 5 main types of Hepatitis identified as types A, B, C, D and E. They pose great concern because of the ease of spread and the burden of illness and death they cause. Others include autoimmune and alcoholic hepatitis. Types B and C particularly lead to chronic disease in millions of people and, together, constitute the most common reason for liver cirrhosis and cancer. The most common cause of hepatitis are hepatitis viruses, but other infections, substances like alcohol and specific drugs, and autoimmune diseases can also lead to the condition.

Modes of Transmission/Infection

Hepatitis A and E are mainly transmitted by the faeco-oral route, typically caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water. Thus, it is common in areas with poor sanitation. Hepatitis B, C and D usually occur after contact with infected body fluids. The modes of transmission for these viruses include transfusion of contaminated blood or blood products and usage of contaminated medical equipment. Hepatitis B can also be transmitted from mother to child at birth and through sexual contact.

Prevention and Vaccination against Hepatitis

Hepatitis A and E may be prevented by ensuring the use of clean water and avoiding consumption of contaminated food. Safe sexual practices and care in the use of medical equipment are equally essential in reducing the transmission rates. Meanwhile, safe and effective vaccines are available for the A, B, and D strains. There is a vaccine for hepatitis E but it is not widely available and there is none for hepatitis C.

Treatment Of Hepatitis

The drug treatment of hepatitis depends on the specific type of hepatitis and whether it is an acute or chronic infection. Here's an overview of drug treatments for the common types of viral hepatitis:

1. Hepatitis A:
Hepatitis A is typically a self-limiting infection, and there is no specific antiviral treatment for it. The focus of management is on supportive care, which includes rest, adequate hydration, and a balanced diet to support liver function. Vaccination is available and is often recommended for individuals at risk of exposure.

2. Hepatitis B:
For acute hepatitis B, supportive care is also the mainstay of treatment. However, for chronic hepatitis B, antiviral medications are used to suppress viral replication and reduce the risk of liver damage. Commonly prescribed antiviral drugs include:
- Entecavir
- Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) or tenofovir alafenamide (TAF)
- Interferon alfa (pegylated interferon) - used less frequently than oral antivirals

Treatment duration and the choice of medication depend on the individual's viral load, liver function, and the presence of other medical conditions.

3. Hepatitis C:
The treatment landscape for hepatitis C has seen significant advancements in recent years. Chronic hepatitis C can often be cured with antiviral therapy. Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications are highly effective and have fewer side effects compared to older treatments. Some commonly used DAAs include:
- Sofosbuvir
- Ledipasvir
- Daclatasvir
- Velpatasvir
- Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir
- Elbasvir/grazoprevir

The choice of DAA and treatment duration depends on the specific hepatitis C genotype, prior treatment history (if any), and the presence of cirrhosis or other medical conditions.

4. Hepatitis D:
Hepatitis D is a challenging infection to treat. Since it only occurs in individuals already infected with hepatitis B, the treatment is primarily focused on managing hepatitis B with antiviral medications. Interferon alfa may be used in some cases, but the response to treatment can vary.

5. Hepatitis E:
Hepatitis E is usually a self-limiting infection, and no specific antiviral therapy is recommended for most cases. Supportive care, such as maintaining hydration and proper nutrition, is typically sufficient.

It's important to note that the availability and choice of medications may vary depending on the country and healthcare system. Additionally, drug treatments should always be prescribed and monitored by qualified healthcare professionals to ensure their safety and efficacy. Regular follow-up and monitoring are crucial, especially for individuals with chronic hepatitis, to assess treatment response and liver function.

Hepatitis Testing and Awareness

Hepatitis is mostly asymptomatic so testing is crucial for early detection, appropriate treatment, and prevention of transmission. It also enhances public health monitoring, and promoting individual and community health awareness. This process helps avoid issues of outbreaks that may result in an epidemic. Therefore, regular testing and awareness of hepatitis can significantly contribute to reducing the burden of this infection on individuals and the society.

Remember, you have one life and one liver, so do all that is necessary to ensure you and those around you stay protected. Hepatitis can't wait and we're not waiting-

Get tested today!

Reference:

World Health Organization (WHO) - Hepatitis:

Website: https://www.who.int/health-topics/hepatitis

Author: Pharm Usua Elizabeth & Pharm Evwaire Oghenetega for PSN-YPG Lagos