Hepatitis C

• What is Hepatitis C?

  RNA virus

  Spread by blood & bodily fluids
• Is there a vaccine available for Hepatitis C?


  No
• Are treatments available for Hep C in children?

  Not yet

  Antivirals can be used in adults
• What is the disease course of Hep C in adults?

  1 in 4 -> recover fully & clear the virus

  3 in 4 -> develop chronic Hep C
• What are complications of chronic Hep C?

  Liver cirrhosis (+ associated complications)

  Hepatocellular carcinoma
• What is the management of Hep C during pregnancy?

  Hep C is passed from infected mothers to babies 5-15% of the time

  Antivirals not recommended in pregnancy

  Parents should be educated about Hep C & modes of transmission
• How can Hep C be tested for?

  Hepatitis C antibody -> screening test

  Hepatitis C RNA -> used to confirm diagnosis, calculate viral load & identify genotype
• Can mothers with Hepatitis C breastfeed their babies?

  Yes, they can breastfeed

  However, if the nipples are cracked or bleeding, breastfeeding should temporarily stop until healed
• What is the management of Hep C?

  Babies to Hep C positive mothers -> tested at 18 months

  Children often clear virus spontaneously

  Infected children require regular specialist follow up -> monitor liver function & hep C viral load

  Medical treatment over 3 yrs -> pegylated interferon & ribavirin

  Treatment typically delayed until adulthood, unless child is significantly affected
• What are the RFs of Hep C?

  IV drug users

  Blood transfusion & organ transplantation

  Healthcare exposure

  Sexual contact with Hep C

  Vertical transmission
• What are the DDx of Hep C?

  Hep B

  Alcoholic hepatitis

  Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)