Hepatitis C: Diagnosis and Treatment

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that patients diagnosed with hepatitis C are often asymptomatic for many years. This paper explores the risk factors associated with the illness, the diagnostic procedures, as well as the efficacy of different treatment options. Side affects involved with the various treatment options are also explored. The writer concludes that it is clear that more research needs to be conducted regarding the prevention and diagnosis of this illness. The writer maintains that once diagnosed, there are standard treatments; however, the overall efficacy of these treatments is disappointing at best.

Outline:
Introduction
Review of Literature
Risk Factors
Diagnosis
Treatment
Adverse Effects

From the Paper:

"According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), up to 80% of infected individuals are asymptomatic. There are a number of factors that increase ones risk of infection. The CDC recommends that individuals who have used intravenous drugs, recipients of clotting factors made before 1987, recipients of blood or solid organs before 1992, hemodialysis patients, anyone with undiagnosed liver problems, and infants born to HCV positive mothers be screened for hepatitis C. Health care workers who have been exposed to the virus should also be tested, however routine checks for individuals in the health care profession are not recommended. It is important that all health care professionals use caution when dealing with blood spills, including dried blood, since studies have suggested that HCV can survive at least 16 hours outside of the body."

Sample of Sources Used:

• A Van Der Eijk, A., Vrolijk, J., & Haagmans, B. (2006). Antibodies neutralizing peginterferon alfa during retreatment of hepatitis C. The New England Journal of Medicine, 354, 1323, (2pp.). Retrieved September 25, 2006 from ProQuest database.
• Amin, J., Law, M., Bartlett, M., Kaldor, J., & Dore, G. (2006). Causes of death after diagnosis of hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection: A large community based linkage study. The Lancet, 368, 938 (8pp.). Retrieved September 25, 2006, from ProQuest database.
• Center for Disease Control [CDC] (2006a). Frequently asked questions about hepatitis C. Retrieved September 19, 2006, from http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/faq.htm#1e .
• Center for Disease Control [CDC] (2006b). Viral hepatitis C fact sheet. Retrieved September 2, 2006, from http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/fact.htm.
• Cormier, M. (2005, May/June). The role of hepatitis C support groups. Gastroenterology Nursing, supplement, 4-9.

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