A VIRAL LIVER INFECTION — NOW CURABLE
Hepatitis C
A viral liver infection that often becomes chronic and can cause cirrhosis and liver cancer if untreated. Now curable in most patients with modern oral antiviral therapy.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus, spread mainly through contact with infected blood — via shared needles, unsterile medical or dental procedures, blood transfusions before screening was introduced, and less commonly through sexual contact or mother-to-baby transmission. Acute hepatitis C often causes no symptoms or only mild illness, and most patients are unaware of the infection at the time. However, the majority go on to develop chronic infection, which can silently damage the liver over many years, leading to cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer. The good news is that modern direct-acting antiviral therapy can cure hepatitis C in the vast majority of patients with a short oral treatment course. Diagnosis is confirmed with specific blood tests. Screening of at-risk groups is essential because the infection is often silent for years. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides comprehensive hepatitis C evaluation and care, with specialist co-management for antiviral therapy, at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Sharing needles or syringes
- Blood transfusions before screening was introduced
- Unsterile medical, dental, tattooing or piercing procedures
- Mother-to-baby transmission during childbirth
- Sexual contact (less common)
- Sharing personal items such as razors
- Higher risk in healthcare workers and exposed groups
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Hepatitis C antibody test followed by viral load and genotype testing
Oral direct-acting antiviral therapy, curing the vast majority of patients
Liver function, viral load and fibrosis assessment
Cirrhosis and liver cancer in untreated chronic infection
Recommended for at-risk groups
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad — co-managed with hepatology for antiviral therapy
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Curative Antiviral Therapy with Specialist Care
The most effective approach is screening of at-risk groups followed by curative oral antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C, given under specialist co-management. Most patients are cured with a short oral treatment course.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews exposure history, examines the patient and arranges hepatitis C testing, liver function and fibrosis assessment.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created in coordination with hepatology, with antiviral therapy and monitoring of liver function.
- 3
Medical Management
Curative oral antiviral therapy under specialist co-management, with monitoring of response and side effects.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Follow-up to confirm cure (sustained virological response), monitor liver health and screen for liver cancer in patients with advanced fibrosis.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Hepatitis C Screening for At-Risk Groups
People with risk factors are offered hepatitis C testing, allowing early detection and treatment of often silent infection.
Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy (Referral for hepatology)
Modern oral antiviral therapy, taken for a short course, cures hepatitis C in the vast majority of patients.
Liver Fibrosis Assessment
Non-invasive tests such as elastography help assess the degree of liver scarring and guide ongoing monitoring.
Screening for Liver Cancer in Advanced Fibrosis
Patients with significant liver scarring need regular screening with ultrasound and blood tests for early detection of liver cancer.
Counselling and Prevention of Transmission
Counselling on avoiding blood-borne transmission, sharing of personal items and other preventive measures protects close contacts.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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