/ Hepatitis D

HEPATITIS D

Hepatitis D is a liver condition that is caused by hepatitis D virus and causes inflammation of the liver. The inflammation can impair its functions & lead to long term complications such as liver scarring & cancer.

Hepatitis D virus is one of the forms of Hepatitis. Other forms are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C & Hepatitis E. Unlike the other types of hepatitis, Hep D can only occur in those who are already infected with Hep B.

Hepatitis D currently has no vaccine or cure, but it can be prevented in individuals who are not already infected with Hepatitis B.

Hepatitis D can be classified as acute or chronic. In acute Hep D, the symptoms appear quickly & are generally severe. However, the infection can disappear by itself. When the infection lasts for 6 months or more, it becomes Chronic Hepatitis D. The chances of developing cirrhosis are higher in chronic hepatitis D.

What are the Symptoms?

Hepatitis D may not always present any symptoms. In some cases, patients may experience:

• Jaundice
• Joint Pain
• Pain in the stomach
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Tiredness

How does Hepatitis D spread?

Hepatitis D is spread by Hepatitis D virus (HDV). It is highly contagious & can spread through:

• Urine
• Vaginal Fluids
• Semen
• Blood
• Birth

Research indicates that a person infected with Hepatitis D can spread it to others even without having any symptoms.

What are the risk factors of Hepatitis D?

A person is at a greater risk of being infected by Hepatitis D if

• He or she has Hepatitis B
• He has sex with other men
• He or she often receives Blood Transfusions
• Uses intravenous drugs

How is Hepatitis D diagnosed?

The doctor may recommend a blood test to detect anti-hepatitis D antibodies in your blood. If antibodies are present, it means the patient is exposed to Hepatitis D Virus.

A liver function test may also pre required, if the doctor suspects you have liver damage. This test assesses the liver health by measuring protein levels, liver enzymes & bilirubin in your blood.

How is Hepatitis D treated?

There is no treatment for acute or chronic Hepatitis D. The antiviral medications used for other forms of Hepatitis are not quite effective in treating Hepatitis D Virus.

There is a type of protein that stops the virus from spreading, known as Interferon. This is generally recommended for upto 12 months. However, even after treatment the chances of Hepatitis D virus still being positive are high.

Hence, it is crucial to take precautionary measures to prevent transmission of the infection.

Can it be prevented?

The best way to prevent Hepatitis D is to precent getting infected by Hepatitis B. Some of the precautionary steps to prevent Hepatitis B are:

• Get Vaccinated
• Practice safe sex
• Avoid use of recreational drugs
• Be cautious about tattoos & piercings