Hepatitis D (patient information)
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: João André Alves Silva, M.D. [2]
Overview
Also known as "delta hepatitis," is a serious liver disease caused by infection with the Hepatitis D virus (HDV), which is an RNA virus structurally unrelated to the Hepatitis A, B, or C viruses. Hepatitis D, which can be acute or chronic, is uncommon in the United States. HDV is an incomplete virus that requires the helper function of Hepatitis B virus to replicate and only occurs among people who are infected with the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). HDV is transmitted through percutaneous or mucosal contact with infectious blood and can be acquired either as a coinfection with HBV or as superinfection in persons with HBV infection. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis D, but it can be prevented in persons who are not already HBV-infected by Hepatitis B vaccination.
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 or delta hepatitis is caused by the hepatitis delta virus (HDV), a defective RNA virus. HDV requires the help of a virus like the hepatitis B virus (HBV) for its own replication. 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 occurs in 5% of people who carry hepatitis B.
Risk factors include:
- Using 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
Transmission
HDV is transmitted percutaneously or sexually through contact with infected blood or blood products.
Blood is potentially infectious during all phases of active hepatitis D infection. Peak infectivity probably occurs just before the onset of acute disease.
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