Chronic viral hepatitis C occurs after acute hepatitis C in almost 50% of cases, regardless of the epidemiological method of acquiring the C virus infection.
20% of patients with chronic post-transfusion hepatitis C develop cirrhosis of the liver. Even uncomplicated and stable chronic hepatitis C can lead to cirrhosis.
Many cases of hepatitis C are detected by chance in people without any symptoms of the disease, such as blood donation or routine tests, the source of which is unknown.
Despite all these grim aspects, studies conducted over 10-20 years show that most patients can lead a relatively normal life, with almost 60% of them having an uncomplicated course and no sequelae of chronic hepatitis in the study period. The disease progresses slowly and is influenced by the presence of other liver conditions (such as chronic hepatitis B or alcohol-induced hepatitis).
Chronic hepatitis D (also called “delta” hepatitis) can occur as a result of acute co-infection with the B virus, requiring a higher rate of chronic hepatitis B.
Co-infection with acute hepatitis B virus D causes an increase in its severity, but not an increase in the likelihood of progression to chronic hepatitis B. When D superinfection occurs in a person with chronic hepatitis B, the progression is towards worsening liver disease.
The diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C and D is confirmed by specific laboratory tests.
CAREFUL! The clinical symptoms in chronic hepatitis C and D are inconclusive, with fatigue being the most common.
Jaundice occurs late, signaling an unfavorable evolution. In chronic hepatitis C complications are rarer than in chronic hepatitis B, and in chronic hepatitis D the active form of the disease (associated or not with cirrhosis) is the rule.
It is useful to present to the doctor in case of an unexplained asthenia, to perform specific tests and early detection of a possible viral liver infection.
REMEMBER! Chronic hepatitis C and D are treated with interferon and some antiviral medicines (ribavirin).
The treatment is expensive, but it is the only one that has given remarkable results. Other therapies are being studied. We have a National Interferon Treatment Program. Liver transplantation is required in the decompensated or terminal stages.
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