Chronic Hepatitis

Chronic hepatitis is liver inflammation or necrosis lasting more than six months or more, usually persistently abnormal liver function may be learned . Because most patients with chronic hepatitis have no symptoms , so most patients do not knowing ; persistent inflammation and liver cell necrosis, it will cause damage to the liver tissue , leading to cirrhosis occurred .
1 What are the causes of chronic hepatitis ?
Not only are many causes of chronic hepatitis , hepatitis activity and severity also varies widely, often need a liver biopsy to identify. Including chronic viral hepatitis ( mainly chronic B, C hepatitis ) , autoimmune hepatitis, drug-induced chronic hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, fatty liver or other metabolic abnormalities caused by abnormal liver function and so on.
(2) to obtain B, C hepatitis how to do ? The daily life of patients with chronic hepatitis how to adjust ?
Should first understand what kind of condition they are in : be healthy carriers of chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis has progressed ? But no matter what those who have regular follow-up , including liver function tests , abdominal ultrasound and fetal serum protein examination . General recommendations for the tracking frequency : Healthy carriers once a year, once every six months, chronic hepatitis , cirrhosis, then once every three months . The daily life of patients with chronic hepatitis without overshooting , but should pay attention to balanced nutrition, living a normal life , do not stay up all night , drinking less alcohol , drug use caution to avoid ingestion of aflatoxin -containing sources of foods such as peanut products , tofu, fermented bean curd , bean paste and so on. Marital sex life is not affected, diet you do not need isolation.
3 How should the treatment of chronic hepatitis ?
General hepatoprotective agent for liver tissue repair or help, but in the course of chronic hepatitis is no impact . The treatment of chronic hepatitis B There subcutaneous interferon and oral qian'an energy (Lamivudine, Latin America Fu ingot ) in two ways. Interferon is an important material body against viruses , currently used for the treatment of chronic active hepatitis B GPT rose more than twice or more, there is efficiency of about 30%. Qian'an could be approved only in 1999 for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B antiviral drugs , can effectively suppress viral replication and reduce inflammation of the liver , so GPT values ​​tended to be normal ; but after stopping about 15-30 % recurrence rate .
Further resistance occurred in 14% after one year , and up to 69 percent after five years . So now the Department of Health approved indication for chronic hepatitis B patients with GPT increased by more than five times , but the best treatment period of nine months or less, in order to reduce the incidence of drug resistance . As for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C , currently combined oral antiviral interferon Ribavirin therapy six months , efficiency of approximately 45%. Future trends in the treatment places the first six months after treatment , good response by continuous treatment to one year ; nonresponders then switch pegylated interferon combined Ribavirin therapy. As for the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis in renal cortical steroid -based.
4 How to avoid contracting hepatitis virus ?
To interrupt the "Chronic B, C hepatitis - cirrhosis - liver cancer " in progress three sections , the first hepatitis virus to prevent infection . Prevention of hepatitis B vaccination can , but there is still no vaccine can prevent hepatitis C . Since B, C type hepatitis infection through blood or body fluids , so to avoid hepatitis virus infection and should avoid unnecessary medical practices, injection or blood transfusion, sexual contact to avoid unclean , pay attention to personal hygiene, do not share toothbrushes, razors , avoid piercing and so on.

The best treatment for acute hepatitis is it?


The best treatment for acute hepatitis what? This is what many patients with liver disease who want to understand the problem, after all, who do not want to be disease-ridden, wants to restore health as soon as possible. So, following on from the treatment of liver diseases specialist to patients who introduced you, the best treatment of acute hepatitis.

Experts said that acute hepatitis C infection in the initial stage, the general course of not more than six months, while those infected will appear fever, general fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms, and did not improve after the break. The best way for hepatitis treatment is to use combined therapy, namely the combination of medication and diet.

1 diet. To supply more adequate protein and various vitamins, in order to facilitate the repair and regeneration of liver cells. But the acute phase of the vicious, vomiting heavy, should be given light, easily digestible to food. Jaundice, increased appetite, may be appropriate to eat lean meat, eggs, fish, tofu and fresh vegetables, and fruits. Finally, more rest, can not be too tired.

2, drug treatment. The first is the use of drugs generally hepatoprotective, mainly to protect liver function, reduce aminotransferase?, Such as biphenyl double fat, sarmentosum granules, potenline, liver Shenlixin, hepatitis Lingjun is a common drop Medicine.

Acute hepatitis

Acute hepatitis and chronic hepatitis main difference is the length of the two different periods suffering .
Specifically , patients with liver disease can rapidly within one to three months treatment called " acute hepatitis " , six months or one year delay if the symptoms above , it is called " chronic hepatitis ."
The causes include acute hepatitis caused by viruses , pharmacy and poisons are three of them were caused by the virus known as acute viral hepatitis, hepatitis , acute virus that also includes A -, B- and non-A, non-B type three.
Had not been infected with hepatitis virus people more susceptible to acute viral hepatitis. But when the virus attacks the body to form antibodies . The liver can be cured .
(A ) prior to the symptoms of jaundice .
Chills , mental unhappiness, heavy head, a cold feeling, the amount of a body temperature of about 37 degrees or so, sometimes the temperature higher. Sometimes the body lazy, no appetite , nausea , vomiting , diarrhea , constipation, abdominal pain , gastrointestinal seem unreasonable . This period of about two , three days, more than ten days or so , the doctor diagnosed as liver disease is unlikely , most of it as a cold or gastrointestinal disorders.
( Two ) jaundice symptoms :
After jaundice , jaundice concentrations increased rapidly from 25 to reach its peak within a week . Jaundice to the highest amount that is slowly decreased to four weeks or less disappeared from the attack , there are patients in the six weeks after this , there is still mild jaundice .
Urine color fade early jaundice one week , while the restoration of urine output before jaundice , patients themselves have " hepatitis have recovered " a conscious feeling.During jaundice , fever, loss of appetite are gone , jaundice over the peak period , the symptoms disappeared completely. At this time , the liver is still strong internal changes to completely recovered , must fully recuperate .Early acute hepatitis , some patients with abdominal pain , there is no consciousness in patients with abdominal pain , liver light pressure with your fingers , only tenderness , enlargement of the liver is also often the symptoms.
( Three ) without jaundice, hepatitis and jaundice hepatitis high concentrations :
In the past, it was thought necessary acute hepatitis , jaundice , and because of jaundice , before a diagnosis of hepatitis.Without jaundice, hepatitis , and its symptoms are not lighter than jaundice hepatitis , cirrhosis or become chronic morbidity , but also about equal. Without jaundice, hepatitis , just feel gastrointestinal discomfort, no hepatitis symptoms " may delay the intensive period of convalescence and chronic greater risk ."Some acute hepatitis , jaundice, acute hepatitis concentrations exceed normal jaundice , and disappear slowly, so symptoms. Serum bile pigment over twenty milligrams , restoring normal need six to eight weeks , the symptoms are not necessarily more severe , chronic possibility is not necessarily bigger.
From the above that: the treatment of acute hepatitis Liver gallbladder method to be used in hepatitis and liver Liver Powder Pill , to get good results.

Hepatitis C treatment is to cure

Had previously heard of viral hepatitis , liver function in patients with high and low , all over seeking doctors, even taking the expensive Chinese and Western medicine , it seems null and void . Watched from hepatitis , cirrhosis to liver cancer , how many friends and family away from us . Since the virus and rapid development of genomics since chronic hepatitis C has been considered incurable diseases.
Taipei City Hospital Yang Hospital District medical director said that , C-type hepatitis infection may be due to blood transfusion or blood contact with infected body fluids , in the past due to post-transfusion infection ratio of about 10 to 15% , but in the routine screening of blood donors detection of hepatitis C virus antibodies has been substantially reduced . Most are sporadic infections, such as intravenous drug users , the use of non- disposable needles to inject , hospital colleagues and family members of patients with chronic hepatitis C or sexual partners , more opportunistic infections . In Taiwan, the general public in the blood of hepatitis C virus antibody positive rate of about 2 to 4%, but the high prevalence areas up to 40 to 60%.
The natural history of viral infection , according to route of infection , the virus characteristics , clinical symptoms and different immune responses in patients . Generally, infection, young, female, nonwhite , less exposure to the virus , such as the immune response is good, as well as in patients with clinical symptoms , and less progress to chronic hepatitis, however , infection with genotype first type of immune dysfunction of the patients progressed to higher rates of chronic hepatitis .
Get acute hepatitis C natural clearance rate, caused by the transfusion of approximately 15 to 25 % of sporadic about 30 to 53 percent , and its duration can be to no active chronic hepatitis and liver function repeatedly to the level of performance of patients with chronic hepatitis . Not active chronic hepatitis patients required to detect hepatitis C viral load , and even liver biopsy assess fibrosis and, if more than the first phase of fibrosis should be considered for treatment , no fibrosis , clinical observations can be. As liver function in patients with chronic hepatitis high and low volatility , the current evidence-based medicine that such treatment is successful, there are 75 to 80% can be cured , it should be considered active treatment.
In general , genotype 1 and 4 type on with a combination of interferon -based antiviral drugs less effective . Therefore, patients should be checked before treatment would face treatment tolerance , liver disease severity , the number concentration of the virus , genotype and treatment if there are some viruses or biochemical reactions - in the fourth week of rapid viral response measurements , such as no or almost no virus volume , and in twelve weeks time also undetectable viral load , only 24 weeks of treatment can be, but the amount of virus in the twelfth week if not less than 100 times the pre-treatment viral load ( representing a decline of 2 logs), will consider withdrawal, but decreased 2 logs , they will have to treat a total of 48 weeks . Patients as smoothly throughout the course of treatment , the final amount of virus to be detected again , and the amount of tracking the virus every six months , at least 2 to 3 times None of the above , be considered cured.

Hepatitis treatment

Hepatitis and hepatic fibrosis prevent liver cancer alternative : Gycyrrhizin
1 . Promote liver function (GPT, GOT, TB) returned to normal, liver histology (Histology) improved.(2) reduce liver cancer incidence rate 50 ~ 60% (Cancer 1997, Oncology 2002 ─ 15 years of long-term studies ) .3 patients with interferon invalid , you can still reduce the rate of liver cancer 49% (Dig. Dis. And Sci. 2006).

Efficacy against Hepatitis B :
Within four weeks of liver function improvement rate chart
Significantly reduce the inflammation of the liver index , the effective rate of 78% or more:109 chronic hepatitis B patients , the use of four weeks , a significant improvement in liver function .ALT levels ─ the effect of 51% , effective 78%.AST levels ─ the efficiency 59% , effective 83%.TB value ─ the effect of 36% , effective 64%.( Reference : Hepatology research 2000.)



Within eight weeks of liver function improvement rate chart
194 chronic hepatitis B patients , the use of eight weeks with different doses (100mL, 40mL).ALT values ​​<1 .5x="" .="" 74="" 79="" br="" uln="" were="">ALT levels <40 .="" 57="" 58="" br="" iu="" l="" were="">─ improved symptoms of hepatitisJaundice disappeared, spirit, appetite , sleep quality improved.Eliminate fatigue , bloating disappear.─ safe, no side effects, long-term use90% of patients had no adverse effects occurThe effect ─ ALT, AST, TB (Total bilirubin) <1 .5="" br="" disappears.="" jaundice="" normal="" times="">Effective ─ including the aforementioned lower values ​​less than 50% improvement in symptoms in patients .( Reference : Hepatology research 2000, 2002.)






Efficacy against Hepatitis C :
Reduced rate of liver cancer fifteen years
─ cirrhosis, liver cancer incidence by 50 to 60%403 CHC patients , the use of Glycyrrhizin up to 15 years , proven to reduce cirrhosis (Cirrhosis) and the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).F1 reduced the incidence of liver cancer patients 50% (6% vs. 12%, n = 193, p = 0.040).F2 reduced the incidence of liver cancer patients 53% (15% vs. 32%, n = 128, p = 0.005).F3 decreased incidence of liver cancer patients 21% (40% vs. 51%, n = 74, p = 0.071).High-risk group ( > 50 years old , F3) if the ALT value control less than 75 IU / L, which reduced the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma 66% (n = 31, p = 0.057).( Reference : Oncology 2002.)


Reduced rate of liver cancer fifteen years
─ also effective than interferon ?Analysis of chronic hepatitis C , interferon treatment group of 1191 , the use of Glycyrrhizin treatment group were 453 .Interferon (IFN) treatment group compared with the control group, the incidence of liver cancer decreased 33% (n = 1191, p = 0.14).Glycyrrhizin treatment group, the incidence of liver cancer compared with the control group decreased 60% (n = 453, p = 0.044, Multivariate analysis using time ≧ 10 years , 1970 ~ 1984 Kenji Ikeda, MD)( Reference : APASL 2002.)




Main Ingredients:Each mL of Glycyrrhizinate monoammonium 2.04mg ( equivalent Glycyrrhizin 2.0mg), each ampoule 20mL.

Dose:Intravenous injection , once a day , every 2 to 3 ampoules , continuous injection of 2 to 4 weeks. If ALT unable fell 60 IU / L or less, increase to once a day , every five ampoules , for 2 to 4 weeks , the maximum daily dose of 5 ampoules .

Maintenance dose:If ALT dropped 60 IU / L or less, 2 to 3 times per week , every 2 to 3 ampoules ; and increase or decrease the dose according to the disease .

Indications:Maintenance of normal liver function , drug allergy, food allergy ; applicable chronic B, C hepatitis patients .→ interferon (IFN) combined class nuclear drugs (NRTI, ex: Lamivudine or Ribavirin) ineffective treatment (Non-responder) or re- recurrence (Relapser).→ intolerable side effects of interferon or class of nuclear medicines for patients (Side effects)→ expected poor efficacy (CHC Genotype1, 4, 5, 6) of the patients with chronic hepatitis C→ disease considerations can not use IFN + NRTI therapy such as :
Decompensated liver disease ( if jaundice, ascites , hepatic coma ) .Autoimmune diseases such as : rheumatoid arthritis , psoriasis , autoimmune hepatitis.Immunosuppressants user .Elderly ( > 50 years ) .Depression, anxiety , insomnia.Alcoholic hepatitis .Hematopoietic function problems .Kidney disease .Anemia.Diabetes.Cardiovascular disease.Thyroid dysfunction .

Side effects:Safe, almost no side effects, however still need to pay attention to pseudo- sexual aldehyde tallow alcohol hyperparathyroidism (Pseudo-aldosteronism) resulting from sodium retention , hypokalemia , hypertension , clinical manifestations of lower extremity edema, poor muscle strength , muscle pain, headaches, other side effects such as : tiredness , abnormal sensation , skin rash.

BC hepatitis treatment side effects talk face


That hepatitis is only a first step, the next face of the treatment head is heavy drama. While the existing B and hepatitis C treatment is quite effective, but related drug-induced side effects, or make some patients the treatment deterred, hesitation, and even patients who are being treated or even terminate the temporary discontinuation of therapy to regain lost health opportunities, it is regrettable.
Lee's mother is a chronic hepatitis B patients, recently due to acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B hospitalized during his sick bed in the mother, Lee also hepatitis examination at the hospital, they discovered that he is also chronic hepatitis B patients, and inflammation of the liver is in state, doctors advised him to conduct oral drug treatment, but he is afraid there will be side effects, and hesitant .......
Viral hepatitis is divided into A-, B-, C-, D-and E-type five type, where A, E, two kinds of hepatitis, acute hepatitis only limited, will not develop into chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis or liver cancer and other diseases But B-, C-, D-(only occur in patients with hepatitis B) in some patients, it may be in the course of acute hepatitis after evolve into chronic hepatitis carriers, and into hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer Liver trilogy.
Domestic patients with chronic hepatitis B, C-type hepatitis based, B-type hepatitis about Qi Cheng, about 300 million people, C-type hepatitis accounted refrain, about 40 million to 60 million people, as the number of hepatitis D is very small. In the more than three hundred ten thousand people are infected with hepatitis premise, liver disease has been known as the country. According to government statistics, there are more than ten thousand people a year die from liver disease, the impact of more than ten thousand families, and therefore against liver disease, a common issue for many families.
Hepatitis B replies
Hepatitis B virus is Taiwan's largest cases of hepatitis virus
Hepatitis B virus is harmful to people's health largest hepatitis virus, early epidemiological survey found that if the mother is hepatitis B carriers, carrier rate her children, compared to non-mothers of the children of hepatitis B carrier rate ; and hepatitis B e antigen-positive mothers if carriers, more than 95% of neonatal hepatitis B will become carriers, mainly because in the production process, was the mother of the fetus in the birth canal blood hepatitis B virus, This vertical pattern of infection until after July 1986, the government implemented the national infant hepatitis B vaccination policy at public expense, only to effectively curb, and now through this vertical hepatitis B infection in newborns is significantly reduced.
In addition to vertical transmission outside, B liver also possible through tattoos, piercing, dangerous sexual behavior patterns infection, people infected with hepatitis B virus, if the body does not produce antibodies, the virus will present the liver to become chronic carriers. Although the virus does not cause damage to the liver directly, but will stimulate the body's immune system to recognize in addition to the matter (hepatitis B virus), and then attack the liver cells, causing hepatitis; if repeated liver inflammation, it may lead to cirrhosis of the liver, thus chronic hepatitis B patients should follow your doctor regular visits tracking, if found at the acute exacerbation of hepatitis, should be treated to avoid embark hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver disease.
Hepatitis B drug comparison and
Treatment of hepatitis B drugs, mainly oral and injectable drugs into two categories. In oral drugs, in the domestic market has dried Aneng (Lamivudine), dry fitness (Adefovir), entecavir (Entecavir), Fu Xi will (Telbivudine) and Hui Li properly (Tenofovir) of five kinds. The main purpose of these drugs is hope inhibit hepatitis B virus replication in vivo, to achieve therapeutic effectiveness, health care and benefits conditional formula (Hui Li due in June 2011 for NHI). Injecting drugs, mainly interferon, both antiviral and immunomodulatory two effects.
As to which of these treatments is better? Not necessarily, and not necessarily every hepatitis B carriers are in need of treatment, the physician must be determined according to different conditions. And the drug has its side effects, if not liver inflammation, viral load is low, the patient can be considered inactive carriers, tracing back to the clinic every six months once, without drug treatment.
The following brief description of the treatment of hepatitis B:
1 oral antiviral: Although side effects, but not serious, and in many be improved after discontinuation.
‧ qian'an energy (Lamivudine): the first listing in the domestic treatment of hepatitis B oral antiviral drugs, the main purpose is to inhibit the in vivo replication of hepatitis B virus and reduce liver inflammation opportunities. Use as a daily oral administration of treatment depending on the response of the patient, usually at least one year. Possible side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, headaches, hair loss and so on. Dry Aneng clinical use there is a problem that may arise resistance.
‧ Dry fitness (Adefovir): role also in the inhibition of hepatitis B virus replication, security can be similar principle and dry, but the chance of resistance can be lower than the dry safety. In addition, if there is resistance on the dry safety of patients can be instructed by a doctor, plus dry fitness therapy. Possible side effects are headache, abdominal pain, fatigue and so on.
‧ Beilejia g (Entecavir): An energy with dry, dry the same fitness, is already available in the country to do the treatment of hepatitis B line drugs. Side effects may include headache, fatigue, diarrhea, etc., but much can be improved after discontinuation.
‧ Fu Xi will (Telbivudine): clinical experience, the joy will be blessing on the inhibition of hepatitis B virus capability is quite good, especially for e antigen-positive patients, some patients after treatment, e antigen can be converted to negative, and its produced after treatment resistant, it can be much lower than the dry safety; possible side effects such as dizziness, rash and diarrhea.
‧ Hui Li properly (Tenofovir): is a class of nucleotide drugs, the first since 2001 for the treatment of AIDS. June 2011 has just been NHI, for inhibiting the replication of hepatitis B virus, the main side effects: nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, skin rash, headache, fatigue and so on.
(2) injecting drug
‧ interferon (interferon, IFN): Interferon is already present in the body of a substance, when the virus invades the human body, the body's immune system to produce interferon, stimulate the liver to produce specific proteins, and this protein is inhibited B Hepatitis virus enters liver cells and replicate in the liver cells, to reduce the damage of liver cells. However, most of the serum of patients with chronic hepatitis interferon measured very low, displays the body of interferon secretion, catch viral replication. This principle is the use of interferon therapy to inhibit hepatitis B virus replication and reduce liver cell damage.
Main points of interferon α, β, γ three categories, now used clinically to treat chronic viral hepatitis is mainly α interferon, and its rate of medication side effects, significantly more than the oral antiviral high, common side effects are similar to cold discomfort, hair loss, reduce the number of white blood cells and platelets, anxiety, depression, irritability, fatigue and insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea and diarrhea.
Such as extreme depression, abnormal changes in blood counts may be discontinued after assessment (extreme depression or abnormal blood count changes awaiting withdrawal)
Either oral or injectable medications, B liver patients during treatment, are likely to experience side effects, patients should be given at this time family care, divert the attention of physical discomfort, but if found in patients with extreme depression, or found in the monitoring of blood in the number of normal variation, there may be a careful evaluation, considering the patient withdrawal. But avoid non-self-withdrawal, in order to avoid oral antibiotic and other issues.
As low viral load, GOT, GPT index normal hepatitis B carriers, as long as you can trace back to the clinic, drug treatment is not recommended, partly because of a long course of oral medication, there may be resistance or interactions with other drugs issues; Furthermore, the study also shows that the above-mentioned type of inflammation of the liver is not in a state of hepatitis B carriers, the use of oral medications underperforming; addition, the use of interferon may also cause physical discomfort, therefore, B liver patients are needed to treat, Please listen to the doctor's professional advice.
Hepatitis C article
Hepatitis C, a high proportion of patients with treatment success
Acute hepatitis C virus infection, about over half of those infected will become chronic hepatitis C patients, after 20 or 30 years later, about two to three percent will be converted into cirrhosis, and liver cirrhosis each year about 5 % will be complicated by liver cancer.
Unlike hepatitis B, C hepatitis patients after treatment, can be successfully treated with a high proportion of so-called therapeutic success is defined, is the result of more than six months, sustained undetectable virus in the blood, and therefore for young hepatitis C patients, doctors via the assessment, the majority would recommend their active treatment.
Current clinical for the treatment of hepatitis C drugs, primarily injectable interferon combined oral Ribavirin (ribavirin) therapy, which Asians, including the Taiwanese effect is especially good, than Western whites, blacks effects are good . Whether the virus first, second and third type of hepatitis C patients after 24 to 48 weeks of injectable interferon combined oral Ribavirin (ribavirin) therapy, the cure rate has more than Qi Cheng.
Pegylated interferon (Pegylated interferon alpha) mechanism of action, mainly by stimulating the immune system fight the hepatitis C virus role to inhibit viral replication effect. Ribavirin (Ribavirin) may be through the regulation of the immune system, activation of the immune function of T cells to inhibit viral purposes.
Hepatitis C treatment side-effects and more
While the existing treatment of hepatitis C results are good, but also a lot of side effects caused by even the patient discontinuation or termination of therapy. Studies show that, in order to pegylated interferon combined oral Ribavirin (ribavirin), minus the drug because of side effects resulting ratio Sicheng, another large and complete withdrawal due to side effects were also 12%, we can see that indeed Many patients, because of unbearable pain caused by adverse drug reactions, forced to abandon treatment.
Common side effects of interferon many, including flu-like heavy fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, loss of appetite; while Ribavirin (ribavirin) may destroy red blood cells make hemoglobin decreased, anemia; Both When used in combination, patients also tend to have a dry cough phenomenon.
Therefore, C liver patients before and after treatment are required by physician assessment and tracking. Some patients are not suitable for treatment, for example, interferon or Ribavirin (ribavirin) in patients allergic, thrombocytopenia, thyroid disease, severe heart and lung disease, severe depression, pregnant women.
Strong will, family support to overcome the side effects of interferon therapy
Although the side effects of interferon therapy a lot, but if for "it" to understand more, the majority of patients after treatment, you can still overcome drug produces physical and mental discomfort, patience about six months to a year to complete anti-hepatitis C treatment.
To overcome interferon cause side effects, and doctors have a good cooperation and strong will is very important. Clinically, there was a middle-aged female patient in after six months, one year, two courses, not only still fails with anemia, but she closely cooperate with the doctor, to endure discomfort, and finally in 72 weeks after treatment, the body had undetectable hepatitis C virus.
In addition, family companionship and support is also very important. Patients during the treatment may occur irritability, depression and other emotional reactions, family members should be more understanding and timely listen, once they discover patients have suicidal thoughts, be sure to bring the patient back to the clinic quickly by doctors assess the need to adjust the medication.
Personalized hepatitis C treatment trends
Hepatitis C virus gene sequences can be divided into six types, the present study, the virus type first type of hepatitis C patients, for example, after 48 weeks of treatment, about 70% cured, ie more than six months in the body undetectable virus, while the second type of hepatitis C cure rate in patients with 24 weeks of treatment, there are 80% of the effect is quite good.
Current hepatitis C treatments have been made towards the development of personalized treatment to each patient for different viruses of genotype, viral load, liver health status, assessed by a doctor prescribing the most suitable patients with treatment duration. If in the course of treatment for patients with drug reactions, good standard course of 24 weeks is expected to be shortened to 16 weeks, and vice versa if the poor response, treatment may be extended to 48 weeks, or even longer.
Also, according to many international research papers, C liver patients with IL28B gene "CC" pattern matching, and human self-clearing hepatitis C virus and response to interferon therapy related with "CC"-type pairing a higher proportion of Asians, Compared with the body is not "CC"-type pairing lower proportion of Westerners, for interferon therapy better. (See table)
Expect more new therapeutic
In addition injectable interferon combined oral Ribavirin (ribavirin) therapy, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May, another approved Boceprevir and Telaprevir Both DAA (direct-acting antiviral drug: direct antivirals) Listed on the existing ineffective therapy in patients with hepatitis C, to provide higher cure rate in Taiwan is also expected in the next two drugs legally marketed through this.
Telaprevir Boceprevir are viral protease inhibitors and, to disrupt and block viral replication. Telaprevir combined with conventional therapy (interferon and Ribavirin) role in the treatment of type genotype in patients with chronic hepatitis C, not only can improve sustained virologic response rates, but also can shorten the course of treatment. Studies have demonstrated that even before the first type of treatment failure patients infected with hepatitis C virus, the cure rate was also significantly increased. In addition, through human trials found that, for the previous course of treatment failure with standard first-type hepatitis C virus infection in the same 48-week course of re-treatment success rate of only 14%; However, if the extra added Telaprevir, the highest success rate can be to 53%. Drug Boceprevir has a similar effect.
Although such new drugs are still rash, anemia, and dysgeusia complications, there are patients so early to give up treatment, but such new drugs or for the treatment of hepatitis C bring a new dawn.
The development of the rapidly growing medical, whether B, C hepatitis have made great progress in the treatment, gene therapy is also experimental stage, therefore patients with hepatitis, as long as a good fit with the doctor to track with the original case, at the appropriate time for treatment, Most patients can avoid embark hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer trilogy.
Table: Impact hepatitis C treatment outcome variables
Treatment outcome variables
Virus genotype 1 about 70%, the second type can be up to 80%
Viral load is low, better treatment results
The shorter duration of infection by the age, the better the outcome of the treatment
Cirrhosis or liver cirrhosis without health lesser extent, the cure rate of up to Qi Cheng; However, if reached cirrhosis, the cure rate drop troughs twelve months the following
Whether the IL28B gene in vivo with "CC" genotype paired with "CC" genotype matched patients better response to interferon treatment---------------------------------------------◎ About Hepatitis Treatment six questions
Q: hepatitis superficial, can be fatal without treatment do?
A: liver, nerve pain, but not developed, exists only in the surface layer of the liver capsule membrane, so in the event of disease, and more to the performance will not pain, but no pain, no itching, does not mean no health threat, if severe inflammation of the liver has even been complicated by liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, ignored, not treated, of course, there may be killed.
Q: small hospital B, C hepatitis drug, with the big hospital medicine same as you?
A: At present, the Department of Health approved treatments B, C hepatitis drugs, regardless of any medical institutes, they use drugs are the same. NHI is more relaxed this year, local grass-roots clinics digestive specialist for hepatitis B patients treated with prescription, getting patients to the nearest viral load testing, treatment, eliminating the psychological and economic pressures, significantly increasing medical convenience.
Q: B, C hepatitis treatment is good, and will recur?
A: Both are possible. Hepatitis B treatment is now well defined as control the disease and the virus can not be completely clear the liver, so the future can still be longer liver inflammation; For hepatitis C after treatment, for six months are undetectable virus in vivo, that is considered good treatment, at a later date chance of recurrence about 1% to 2%.
In addition to possible recurrence of hepatitis C, but also may clear the virus in the body after again for tattoos, sharing needles, sharing toothbrushes, nail clippers and other common infectious blood or body fluid pathways, so daily life, still avoiding these risk factors.
Q: B, C hepatitis treatment is good, you will get liver cancer?
A: There are possible. If the condition of the liver in the previous inflammation, has long been fibrosis, cirrhosis circumstances, the risk of liver cancer arise in the future, thereby completing the course of B, C liver patients, still have regular visits to accept fetoprotein and abdominal ultrasound and other tests.
Q: Is someone in your family hepatitis B or C liver disease being treated, other family members have to treat it?
A: It depends on the family without infection may be. In general, if someone in the diagnosis of infection in B, C hepatitis, family members should be blood tested to see whether infected; if infection is confirmed, it should be depending on the degree of liver inflammation, follow doctor's advice, to assess the need for treatment. If you do not suffer infections and hepatitis B antibodies in vivo without, can be applied to fight hepatitis B vaccine protection, as no hepatitis C vaccine today, can only be avoided in life through the blood, body fluids and other risk factors for infection.
Q: I have hepatitis B, C liver, which should first treatment?
A: If you are also infected with hepatitis B, C liver before treatment must be evaluated based on what the patient's virus, and then decide the main goal of treatment. Clinical findings BC hepatitis virus coinfected patients, viral hepatitis C virus is usually dominated, so much to hepatitis C infection drug treatment, and this treatment for hepatitis B treatment is also helpful in some patients after treatment than can be measured body hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B even love is under control, to achieve the effect of killing two birds with one stone.

Treatment of chronic hepatitis B pegylated interferon treatment is the best policy


According to the Department of Health disease death statistics, there are about seven thousand people died of liver cancer each year, of which 80% of liver cancer and hepatitis B virus infection, Far Eastern Hepatobiliary Hospital Division of Gastroenterology Liang Cheng Chao, MD, B liver virus is mainly through body fluids or blood pathways infection, generally divided into two types of vertical transmission and horizontal transmission. Vertical transmission refers to the mother with the original production process, the hepatitis B virus to the newborn; horizontal transmission is through blood or body fluids containing the virus, enters the body through blood or infected wound, a common mode of infection, such as blood transfusion, sharing needles, piercing, tattoo, tattoos, sharing a toothbrush or razor, sexuality and so may be infected. Taiwan now adult hepatitis B carrier rate as high as 15% to 20%, indicating that hepatitis B prevention is worth people pay attention, if accidentally infected hepatitis B, there are oral antiviral interferon and choose to seize early detection of early treatment principle is is the best policy!
Liang PHYSICIAN, B liver infection can be divided into three natural course first stage, called "immune tolerant phase," during this period a large number of virus replication in the liver cells, it can be measured in serum high concentrations of hepatitis B virus volume (HBV DNA) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive, because the lack of effective antiviral host response, no clinical symptoms, liver biopsy is almost no or only mild inflammation, serum amino acid converting enzyme (ALT or GPT ) is normal, this stage often lasted for decades and require no treatment intervention. The second phase is called "immune clearance phase", until the patient to young period, this period of the host immune system to attack viruses, cytotoxic T lymphocytes attack was hepatitis B virus infected liver cells, causing liver cell necrosis, thus serum ALT values ​​have increased, this time the amount of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis B e antigen concentration will decrease, patients have different degrees of clinical symptoms, some patients need to consider this treatment period, but the duration of this phase is also more complex, can be sustained ranging from several months to several years, regular follow-up treatment, has become another focus. The third stage is called the period of inactivity, normal serum ALT values, e antigen-negative, e antibody-positive, HBV DNA is embedded in the DNA of liver cells; liver biopsy may show slight variations or inactive hepatitis.
Currently hepatitis B treatment in two ways, one is oral antiviral drugs, patients need daily doses, lowering viral load results quickly, but certain drugs prone to drug resistance, a high risk of recurrence after stopping; Another is long- interferon therapy, interferon regulate the immune system and fight the virus two characteristics, there is no resistance, and the treatment course clear that the current NHI provides interferon therapy treatment for six months to a year, of which e antigen-positive patients required Continuous injections for 24 weeks negative patients are injected with 48 weeks.
Dr Leung said even after discontinuation of interferon therapy, treatment will continue for the role, so there is a higher chance to reach the target surface antigen disappeared, according to research data shows, e antigen-negative patients with interferon treatment, discontinuation track to the fifth year, there are 12% of the patients surface antigen disappeared, as e antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B patients with pegylated interferon for 48 weeks, at 6 months after completion of treatment, 36% to reach serum e antigen seroconversion, It is therefore recommended in patients with chronic hepatitis B can discuss with your doctor whether it is suitable priority to the pegylated interferon treatment.

How to treat hepatitis C


With medical advances in technology, many new developments hepatitis treatment, today saw the newspaper and television news reported new chronic hepatitis C treatment clinic will encounter several patients ask: Do you have this hospital Drugs do? Are there any side effects? When should I treat it? When to stop it? Will not heal it? In fact, these are very real, but not the three words two languages ​​will be able to understand the problem.
 
Preparation before treatmentComes to the treatment of hepatitis C, we must first understand the diagnosis and assessment of hepatitis C virus infection method. There are three types: (a) detection of serum anti-hepatitis C virus antibody (Anti-HCV); (two) Detection of serum hepatitis C virus RNA (HCV-RNA); (three) liver biopsy pathology . Detect antibodies in the side aspect, mainly using enzyme immunoassay to detect whether subjects serum antibodies to the virus exists, the current health Neiliao institutes and Blood Center is through this method, blood samples for people to do routine inspection. Note that this anti-hepatitis C antibody positive significance represented subjects infected or infected with hepatitis C are now, and more than seventy percent of chronic infection. Such testing is mainly used in the preliminary examination and a large number of screenings.In addition, the detection of viruses, it is the use of molecular biology methods to detect the presence of virus in the blood. This test method, as long as there is a small amount of serum to test out virions, a high degree of sensitivity and accuracy. And the virus in the patient's body can provide qualitative, quantitative and genotype testing information, which will contribute to the choice of treatment and treatment outcome evaluation. Therefore, generally considered in patients receiving antiviral treatment recommendations such checks to determine whether it is necessary to accept antiviral therapy. This check is also acceptable antiviral determined before treatment and duration of treatment, and assess treatment efficacy is very important basis.Pathological examination of liver biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of chronic hepatitis is the only basis on which assess antiviral treatment regimens indicators. Of liver tissue from a patient can clearly understand the severity of inflammation of the liver and liver fibrosis. Completion of the above three checks whether the patient can understand need antiviral treatment.If after checking the above three equally important assessment of patients who received antiviral therapy when needed, then arrangements shall be further interrogation history, physical examination, white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, ECG, fasting glucose, thyroid function, kidney function, liver function, autoimmune antibodies, urine, alpha fetoprotein, abdominal ultrasound and other tests to rule out interferon and ribavirin (Ribavirin) of contraindications, before starting treatment.In general, people with significant systemic infection, major mental or brain disease, poor control of diabetes or thyroid dysfunction, significant autoimmune disease, severe liver function decompensation bad or cardiovascular disease patients and pregnant women, etc. not suitable for the interferon and ribavirin combination therapy. In addition, heart disease, renal insufficiency, white blood cells, red blood cells or platelets are low, the use of interferon and ribavirin combination therapy care must be taken when, like Shen.
 
How to treat chronic hepatitis C? How effective?Existing chronic hepatitis C viral efficacy are judged by the sustained response (sustained virologic response, SVR) based, generally defined as the end of treatment, and treatment of patients six months after the end of the hepatitis C virus nucleic acid in serum showed negative, it is determined that the success of the treatment; do not meet the above criteria is considered non-sustained viral response, which is not a successful outcome.Especially if the virus continued to reach sexual response that the virus does not recur, can be considered cured. However, there are sporadic reports found that a very small number of patients reaching viral Although the sustained response, but the virus is still twelve months after the end of treatment relapse.Treatment of liver diseases currently used drugs, such as oral medication or liver and gallbladder drugs may be able to promote liver function, hepatitis C virus but no effect. The only proven and approved anti efficacy of hepatitis C virus is influenza A (alpha) interferon (a-Interferon), and ribavirin (ribavirin) is confirmed and approved interferon alpha have strengthened anti-hepatitis C virus effect. Its treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus is mainly transmitted by direct killing effect and enhance immune function and other two effects-based turn fulfilled. Alpha interferon and ribavirin consolidation of HAART is the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, the most effective therapy is recognized worldwide as the standard therapy.With the advancement of medical technology to interferon-based therapy also progress. From the 1980s onwards, interferon treatment was found to have hepatitis C effects to conventional interferon three million units subcutaneously three times weekly treatment for six months to a year, about 8 - 20% of people can be reached sustained viral response, which is only about two percent of patients effectively.If a dose increase to six million units, three times a week treatment for six months to a year, the effect can be increased to about thirty to forty percent or so. Subsequently, the new approach to the treatment of antiviral ribavirin (Ribavirin) and interferon combination HAART greatly improve the efficacy of chronic hepatitis C, ribavirin is a synthetic analogue of guanosine, its role may widespread antagonism viral nucleic acid.Interferon 3-6000000 units subcutaneously three times a week, combined ribavirin 800-1200 mg per day, were treated for six months to one year, may be the treatment of chronic hepatitis C is more effective to improve to about 50 - 55% . Recently, biotechnology, polyethylene glycol (polyethylene glycol, PEG) molecules on interferon, it lengthens the effect in the body, just one week injections once to maintain efficacy, the so-called long-acting interferon (Pegylated interferon).Studies have shown that pegylated interferon combined with ribavirin, treatment six to twelve months, could further improve the efficacy of the treatment to 65-70%. Therefore, pegylated interferon combined ribavirin of HAART has become recognized worldwide as the treatment of choice for chronic hepatitis C and standard therapy.According to domestic and international studies have shown that pegylated interferon combined with ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C patients infected with the efficacy of the hepatitis C virus genotype, pre-treatment of hepatitis C virus concentration, the degree of fibrosis of liver tissue are closely related, the most important is the hepatitis C virus genotypes.Infected with viral genotype non-1 type were its efficacy up to 90-95%; while genotype 1 infection by about 50% of its efficacy. Before treatment, the higher the concentration of hepatitis C virus, its treatment less effective. Before treatment of liver fibrosis in more severe cases, especially in patients with liver cirrhosis, its therapeutic effect is also poor. Others such as age, higher in patients with diabetes and heavier body weight may also affect treatment.So now the world on the treatment of chronic hepatitis C are recommended: (a) genotype 1 infection who pegylated interferon combined with ribavirin year of treatment; (two) virus genotype non-type 1 who pegylated interferon combined with ribavirin treatment for six months. The latest report also pointed out that most of the type 2 virus genotype in patients, pegylated interferon combined with ribavirin 16 weeks of therapy can achieve good results!In addition, patients with blood during treatment of hepatitis C virus concentration decreased extent and efficacy are also relevant. In general, the treatment of blood in full four weeks of hepatitis C virus RNA negative by means that if a good response to treatment, if the full twelve weeks when the treatment of hepatitis C virus in blood nucleic not show negative, or less than one hundred times the concentration decreased that the treatment is not good. Therefore, patients with blood during treatment hepatitis C virus nucleic acid can be used as therapy monitoring of indicators, and duration of treatment planning reference.
 
Treatment Side EffectsInterferon and ribavirin use of two drugs will cause side effects. Injections of interferon common side effects include: fatigue, tiredness, muscle aches, chills, headache, poor appetite, nausea, diarrhea, irritability, depression, lack of concentration, emotional instability, insomnia, rashes, and bone marrow suppression injection part The resulting white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets low blood counts.Also occasionally produce thyroid dysfunction, hair loss and so on. However, most of the side effects are tolerable or by taking drugs, such as acetaminophen, etc., have been alleviated, only a small part of the patient to tolerate due to side effects which can not be controlled or reduced dosage or termination of therapy. As for the side effects of hair loss usually occurs in the first three months of treatment onwards, will not fall out, and almost three months after stopping long back into shape.Taking ribavirin common side effects include: hemolytic anemia, low hemoglobin, skin itching, skin rash. Occasionally there will be nasal congestion, cough, sore throat and breathing difficulties and other symptoms. Anemia is the main reason for reduction of ribavirin, about 20 to 40% of patients during treatment because of anemia and ribavirin dose must be lowered, but rarely severe enough to require discontinuation of treatment. Hemoglobin decreased to four weeks before treatment is most obvious. If after treatment, about four to eight weeks after recovery or stable. The general approach to cut ribavirin dose based. In addition, injections of erythropoietin (Erythropoetin) can stimulate human bone marrow function, improve anemia and reduce the chance Leiba Wei reduction or withdrawal. General recommendations hemoglobin concentration is preferably maintained at 10 g / dL or more, at least at 8 g / dl or more; But in patients with heart disease shall be particularly careful, hemoglobin concentration is preferably maintained at 12 g / dL or more. Skin itching and skin rashes are also common side effects ribavirin, especially in the dry skin and the winter is particularly evident. Generally not recommended to wash the hot hot bath after bath rub moisturizing lotion. Symptoms can Cayao on the affected area or take medications to control locally.Special attention is that ribavirin may cause birth defects may be, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy, therefore, not only in the treatment of women before pregnancy test or inquiry to be made sure that no pregnant women and treatment of patients before treatment period shall have in place sound contraceptive measures. General recommendations, both men and women, the best six months after the withdrawal line considering pregnancy.Overall, the use of interferon and ribavirin may lead to many side effects, but most of the side effects are tolerable, and some can rely on drugs to be avoided or eased. In general, younger patients not only better treatment, treatment side effects are also a lot less. Therefore, physicians encourage patients to receive treatment as soon as possible.
 
How to complete the full course of treatment for hepatitis CCurrently the treatment of hepatitis C varies from four months to more than a year, or even a year or more, combined with interferon-ribavirin therapy, although the efficacy of good, but not every person suitable for the treatment, and treatment will produce Many side effects. Therefore, the treatment must have a professional specialist of prudent management of public assessment, treatment and after treatment should have an excellent track evaluation system.In the treatment of the first one or two months, the best back to the clinic at least once every two weeks, and then back to the clinic once every four weeks until six to twelve months after the end of treatment. Treatment period should be based on the results of periodic inspection and condition as the basis, under the direction of a physician, timely adjustment of drug dosage and control side effects. During treatment should avoid strenuous exercise, such as hiking, climbing a ladder too much, or too large consumer Mao physical activity, it is best avoided.Hepatitis C patients receiving treatment decision, you should first do the inspection and preparation before treatment, adequate mental construction, re-entering the treatment of hepatitis C; soon after starting treatment, fully cooperate with the physician, back to the clinic on time, accepting Drug treatment and follow if you have any questions, immediate and medical communication and consultation, by accepting the integrity of antiviral therapy is to determine the efficacy of a very important factor, such as to complete the full course of treatment for hepatitis C accepted, it will certainly increase their chance to defeat the hepatitis C virus.

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