Hepatitis C belongs to a group of dangerous liver diseases, but most people are still subjective because they do not fully understand this disease. The disease tends to progress silently, without obvious symptoms, making it difficult to identify the disease early.

Part 1: Developmental stages of hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is one of the typical infectious diseases of the liver, caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). This virus will invade, attack, and damage the liver, leading to dangerous complications, even cirrhosis, liver cancer.

 

 

Hepatitis C often tends to develop silently, so when it is detected, most cases are already in the later stages. The virus enters the body through incubation stages, acute hepatitis C, chronic hepatitis C, cirrhosis and leads to liver cancer.

• Stage 1: Incubation

After the HCV successfully enters the body, they have a rather long incubation period, usually from 2 to 6 months

After the initial infection, about 80% of people who do not show any symptoms, even if they do anti-HCV tests, they will still be negative for the virus because the body has not had enough time to make the virus. produce antibodies to fight the virus.

• Stage 2: Acute hepatitis C

This is the period when the virus develops in the first weeks or months after the hepatitis C virus has entered a person’s bloodstream. “Acute” means sudden and short-lived illness, usually occurring in the first two weeks to six months.

• Stage 3: Chronic hepatitis C

It is estimated that 75-85% of people with acute hepatitis C will progress to the chronic stage. Chronic hepatitis C lasts for at least 6 months and often longer than that. Even at this stage, most people have no obvious symptoms, but this does not mean that the infection is benign.

• Stage 4: Cirrhosis

Inflammation of the liver and long-term damage caused by viruses, healthy liver cells will gradually be replaced by scar tissue, this is a manifestation of cirrhosis. The process takes about 20 to 30 years, and it can happen faster if the person drinks alcohol, has HIV, and doesn’t take the right treatment.

• Stage 5: Liver Cancer

Cirrhosis is the leading cause of liver cancer. At that time, the patient needs to be monitored and checked regularly to control the development of the disease, quickly handle arising problems to limit the worst possible risks.

Part 2: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) – Treatment methods and success rates

 

 

• How is hepatitis C treated?

There is currently no vaccine that can help prevent hepatitis C. To treat hepatitis C, a specialist will need to run several tests to find the right treatment options. Once a person is diagnosed with chronic HCV infection, an assessment should be made to determine the extent of liver damage (fibrosis and cirrhosis) with a liver biopsy or through a variety of noninvasive tests. The extent of liver damage will be used to plan the treatment and management of the disease.

• Medications to Treat HCV

Before 2014, the only treatment for hepatitis C was interferon and ribavirin, given as weekly injections under the skin, along with pills. However, treatment with interferon causes many unpleasant and often unsuccessful side effects.

Then, a new generation of drugs was born called genotypic direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). These antiviral treatments are effective in curing hepatitis C and have few side effects but need to be taken as directed to be effective. Currently, genotyped direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are recommended for people over 12 years of age, including: Sofosbuvir, ledipasvir, daclatasvir, elbasvir, grazoprevir, velpatasvir… Treatment regimens with DAAs may or may not coordinate with ribavirin.

Current hepatitis C treatment regimens have a high success rate. There is about a 95% cure rate in general. However, the list of medications for hepatitis C can change each year as research on hepatitis C drugs is constantly advancing. In addition, it is important to note that the treatment regimen for chronic hepatitis C must be prescribed by a specialist because it depends on the genotype of hepatitis C.

• The goal of antiviral drug

When you have hepatitis C, antiviral treatment is necessary, in order to:

– Remove the hepatitis C virus from the body.

– Prevent or slow liver damage.

– Reduces the risk of developing cirrhosis (progressive scarring of the liver).

– Reduce the risk of developing liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).

– Reduce the risk of liver failure and the need for a liver transplant.

• How long does the treatment last?

Treatment usually lasts 8-12 weeks but can last up to 16 weeks in certain cases. Some patients with more liver damage may require 24 weeks of treatment, but this is uncommon. The duration depends on the drug and the specific hepatitis C factors in each patient.

Treatment is successful when the viral load drops to undetectable levels, meaning the virus cannot be detected in the blood. If the virus is still undetectable in the blood 12 weeks after the end of the cycle of treatment, the treatment has been successful. This is called a Sustained Virologic Response (SVR). A patient who has achieved SVR is considered to have been cured of the hepatitis C virus.

Insmart’s Health Screening Program Administration Service

 

 

Insmart is the leading health screening program administration unit in Vietnam, with the motto towards and ensuring the sustainability of healthcare for business. We provide a full range of utilities to support customers during the examination, ensuring that customers receive the dedicated and attentive care in the using service process.

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