Hepatitis D (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Anti-delta agent antibody | *Anti-delta agent antibody | ||
Liver biopsy | *Liver biopsy | ||
Liver enzymes (blood test) | *Liver enzymes (blood test) | ||
==Treatment options== | ==Treatment options== | ||
Revision as of 15:44, 9 February 2012
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
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Hepatitis D |
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Hepatitis D On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Delta agent is a type of virus called hepatitis D that causes symptoms only in people who also have a hepatitis B infection.
What are the symptoms of Hepatitis D?
Hepatitis D may make the symptoms of hepatitis B more severe. Symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Dark-colored urine
- Fatigue
- Jaundice
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Exams and Tests
- Anti-delta agent antibody
- Liver biopsy
- Liver enzymes (blood test)
What causes Hepatitis D?
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is only found in people who carry the hepatitis B virus. HDV may make a recent (acute) hepatitis B infection or an existing long-term (chronic) hepatitis B liver disease worse. It can even cause symptoms in people who carry hepatitis B virus but who never had symptoms. Hepatitis D infects about 15 million people worldwide. It occurs in 5% of people who carry hepatitis B. Risk factors include:
- Abusing intravenous (IV) or injection drugs
- Being infected while pregnant (the mother can pass the virus to the baby)
- Carrying the hepatitis B virus
- Men having sexual intercourse with other men
- Receiving many blood transfusions
Who is at highest risk?
Risk factors include-
- Abusing intravenous (IV) or injection drugs
- Being infected while pregnant (the mother can pass the virus to the baby)
- Carrying the hepatitis B virus
- Men having sexual intercourse with other men
- Receiving many blood transfusions
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of hepatitis B.
Diagnosis
- Anti-delta agent antibody
- Liver biopsy
- Liver enzymes (blood test)
Treatment options
Many of the medicines used to treat hepatitis B are not helpful for treating hepatitis D. See hepatitis B. Persons with long-term HDV infection may receive a medicine called alpha interferon for up to 12 months. A liver transplant for end-stage chronic hepatitis B may be effective.
Where to find medical care for Hepatitis D?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Hepatitis D
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Persons with an acute HDV infection usually get better over 2 to 3 weeks. Liver enzyme levels return to normal within 16 weeks. About 10% of those who are infected may develop long-term (chronic) liver inflammation (hepatitis).
Possible complications
- Chronic active hepatitis
- Fulminant hepatitis
Prevention
Prompt diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B infection can help prevent hepatitis D. Avoid intravenous drug abuse. If you use IV drugs, avoid sharing needles. A vaccine is available to prevent hepatitis B. Adults who are at high risk for hepatitis B infection, and all children should consider getting this vaccine.
Alternative Names
Hepatitis D virus
Sources
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000216.htm Template:WSTemplate:WH