Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hepatitis : Care and Cure

Before receiving any vaccines or medications, the patient should have a blood test to see if they have antibodies to the virus, in which case immunisation or medication is unnecessary. The most common form of treatment is supportive care, with specific problems handled as needed. If a patient has Fulminant Hepatic Failure, liver transplantation may be an option in some circumstances (FHF). Patients who are at risk of contracting the acute hepatitis A virus (HAV) should be immunised. With a medicine called pegylated interferon-alpha, about 25% of individuals with chronic hepatitis B can be cured. A medication combination of pegylated interferon and ribavirin is the most effective treatment for hepatitis C virus.