Recently, there have been significantly fewer hepatitis C patients in outpatient clinics than before.
However, there will always be some hepatitis C patients in every clinic.
Hepatitis C can be completely cured by standard antiviral treatment. But if it is a patient with hepatitis C cirrhosis, the virus is over, it does not mean that the liver cirrhosis will be fine.
This patient still requires aggressive anti-fibrotic therapy and close monitoring for liver cancer.
A few days ago, I met an elderly man in the outpatient clinic who had taken Epclusa two years ago to treat hepatitis C virus, but the virus was still undetectable after repeated inspections.
I reviewed her hepatitis C virus, liver function, alpha-fetoprotein, B-ultrasound, liver stiffness, etc.
The result of the inspection was unexpected. The virus cannot be detected, the liver function is normal, and there is nothing to be vigilant about in the B-ultrasound. The only thing is the abnormal increase of alpha-fetoprotein, 148ng/ml, I was thinking at that time, the patient’s liver function is completely normal, how can there be an increase in alpha-fetoprotein?
At my insistence, I checked the patient with enhanced CT, and the result was a malignant tumor, about 3cm. It is precisely because of the early detection that there are many radical measures that patients can take.
At this time, I remembered the words of Zhang Jingyue, a famous ancient doctor, “to hide a traitor alone”. Do not let go of any abnormality in any clinical indicator.
So for hepatitis C patients, what else should be paid attention to after the virus is cleared?
1. Regular review and monitoring of the condition
Regularly check liver function, HCVRNA, B-ultrasound, alpha-fetoprotein, etc. Hepatitis C cured patients under different circumstances should follow the doctor’s advice for relevant tests, and the time and test items should be carried out according to the doctor’s advice. .
2. Keep a good attitude
Emotional well-being can improve the body’s immune function.
3. Pay attention to rest
Avoid fatigue and rest well is conducive to the recovery of fatigue, especially to the supply of nutrients to the liver and the repair of liver cells; exercise can enhance physical strength and enhance disease resistance.
4. Alcohol is strictly prohibited
Liver disease patients should always remember that alcohol is strictly prohibited.
5. Reasonable meal
A reasonable diet can enhance physical fitness, improve immunity, and effectively help in better recovery.
So what are the routes of transmission of hepatitis C?
1. Blood transmission
Transfusion and blood products, broken skin and mucous membranes. This is the most important mode of communication at present. In some areas, 60% to 90% of HCV transmissions are caused by intravenous drug use. The use of non-disposable syringes and needles, non-sterile dental instruments, endoscopy, invasive procedures, and needle sticks are also important routes of transdermal transmission.
Conventional medical methods that can lead to broken skin and blood exposure have also been implicated in HCV transmission; sharing razors, toothbrushes, tattoos, and ear piercings are also potential menstrual transmission modes of HCV.
2. Sexual Transmission
3. Mother-to-child transmission
Anti-HCV positive mothers have a 2% risk of transmitting HCV to their newborns; if the mother is HCV RNA positive at delivery, the risk of transmission can be as high as 4% to 7%; When co-infected with HIV, the risk of transmission increases to 20%. A high HCV viral load may increase the risk of transmission.
4. Other ways
15% to 30% of sporadic hepatitis C transmission is unknown. It should be noted that kissing, hugging, sneezing, coughing, food, drinking, sharing utensils and cups, no skin breaks, and other contacts without blood exposure generally do not transmit HCV.