The diagnosis of hepatitis C is made predominantly by history, physical examination, and laboratory diagnosis. Optional medical device diagnostics-depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics-are used for differential diagnosis. Abdominal ultrasonography (ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs) – at least every 6 months, regardless of further … Hepatitis C: Diagnostic Tests
A risk group indicates the possibility that the disease may be associated with the risk of vital nutrient deficiency. The complaint other acute viral hepatitis indicates vital nutrient deficiency for: Vitamin B6 The above vital substance recommendations were created with the help of medical experts. All statements are supported by scientific studies with high levels … Hepatitis C: Micronutrient Therapy
To prevent hepatitis C, particular attention must be paid to reducing risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Consumption of stimulants Alcohol (woman: > 40 g/day; man: > 60 g/day). Drug use Intranasal (“through the nose”) Intravenously (“through the vein”); long-term drug addicts in Germany are chronically infected with hepatitis C 23-54% of the time Nail and … Hepatitis C: Prevention
Hepatitis C infection progresses without symptoms or only with very inconspicuous, flu-like symptoms in three-quarters of those affected. Acute infection occurs in 15-25%. The following symptoms and complaints may indicate acute hepatitis C: General feeling of illness Fatigue Feeling of pressure in the upper abdomen Nausea (nausea) Icterus (yellowing of the skin and eyes). The … Hepatitis C: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
Pathogenesis (disease development) After infection with the hepatitis C virus, it reaches the liver through the bloodstream. There it damages hepatocytes (liver cells). This cell-damaging effect is further enhanced by the body’s immune defenses. Etiology (causes) Biographic causes Occupations – health care workers; employees of care facilities. Socioeconomic factors – low socioeconomic status. Geographic factors … Hepatitis C: Causes
General measures Partner management, i.e., infected partners, if any, must be located and treated (contacts must be traced back to the estimated time of infection). Observance of the general hygiene measures! Genital hygiene Once a day, the genital area should be washed with a pH-neutral care product. Washing several times a day with soap, intimate … Hepatitis C: Therapy
Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of hepatitis C. Family history What is the general health of your family members? Social history What is your profession? In the last six months, have you traveled to countries with high prevalence of hepatitis (clustered) and had sexual contact with local people … Hepatitis C: Medical History
Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases (E00-E90). Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Hemochromatosis (iron storage disease) – genetic disease with autosomal recessive inheritance with increased deposition of iron as a result of increased iron concentration in the blood with tissue damage. Wilson’s disease (copper storage disease) – autosomal recessive inherited disease in which copper metabolism in the liver … Hepatitis C: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by hepatitis C: Eyes and eye appendages (H00-H59). Ulcerative keratitis (PUK; inflammation of the cornea of the eye with ulceration) in the context of hepatitis C-associated cryoglobulinemia (form of vascular inflammation resulting from deposition of immune complexes in the small vessels) … Hepatitis C: Complications
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes, and sclerae (white part of the eye) [jaundice (jaundice)?, liver skin signs such as patent tongue, palmar erythema (redness of the palm), and spider naevi (small … Hepatitis C: Examination
1st order laboratory parameters – obligatory laboratory tests. Serology Detection of hepatitis C-typical antigens (ELISA test: hepatitis C antibodies are formed after 4-6 weeks at the earliest; usually after 2-6 months)* . Anti-HCV – but is not suitable for ruling out acute hepatitis C, as it does not become positive until several weeks after infection. … Hepatitis C: Test and Diagnosis
Therapeutic targets To inhibit viral replication as completely as possible (counteracting the emergence of resistance). Prevention of the emergence of a clinically relevant immunodeficiency. Prevention of complications Healing Partner management, i.e., infected partners, if any, must be located and treated (contacts must be traced back to estimated time of infection) Therapy recommendations There is no … Hepatitis C: Drug Therapy