2016-05-17

Hep C News: Only heading in a new direction of treatment will help prevent deaths

Recent data released by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that the deaths associated with hepatitis C reached an all-time high of 19,659 in 2014. Since 2013, the annual hepatitis C-related mortality surpassed the total combined number of deaths from 60 other infectious diseases. [1]

Although the effectiveness of the recently introduced hepatitis C antiviral treatment (DAA) is higher than previous drugs, this new treatment does not directly reduce liver damage nor improve liver health. [2] Together with the data released by CDC, it is suggested that the DAA treatments are not able to lower the number of deaths related to hepatitis C.

The only function of antiviral drugs is to eliminate the hepatitis virus in the human body, thus, to regain liver health, the liver must recover itself using its unique self-repairing ability. However using drugs actually causes further damage to the liver as the drug itself contains toxicity. A recent published paper has found that using DAA treatment might have an impact on the immune system as there is a sudden change of viral count, thus dramatically increasing the risk of liver cancer. [3] The number of related deaths caused by hepatitis C is continuously increasing; this is a clear indication that it is time to reconsider current treatment direction.

From the patients’ point of view, the primary objective of treatment should be to ensure normal liver function (ALT level), to reduce and prevent liver fibrosis, and to improve the quality of daily life. Only by successfully carrying out these objectives can one ensure long term liver health protection, reduce the likelihood of severe liver diseases and lower the risk of deaths caused by liver inflammation related diseases.

Reference:

Disclaimer:

* All research and clinical data should be used as reference purposes only, results may vary.

Tags:

Related Questions

Practical Tips for Regaining Energy from Liver Related Fatigue

Since liver plays a key role in many bodily functions, including the production and storage of energy, it is not surprising that liver problems often cause fatigue. It is not uncommon for people with liver problems to experience fatigue. Some describe it as a lack of energy throughout the day, and little tasks become more tiring than usual. When the liver is damaged or not functioning as it should, it can lead to a buildup of toxins in the body and a decrease in the

The Hidden Battle: Coping with the Emotional Impact of Liver Problems

Suffering from liver problems can be overwhelming for patients and their loved ones. Understandably, people suffering from liver problems can experience anxiety, anger, frustration, or fear. Today, we will share some strategies for coping with the emotional impact of liver problems. 1. Talk to the care team It is important to talk to the care teams about the emotional impact. They may refer patients to additional support groups and other resources to cope

Hit Questions

Knowing cirrhosis and treatment options

The liver carries out essential functions, including detoxifying harmful substances in your body, cleaning your blood and making new blood and other vital nutrients. Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver caused by long-term liver damage. The loss of liver cells turns into scar tissue which prevents the liver working normally, reducing or in some cases, completely losing liver function. Cirrhosis is a long-term chronic liver damage; it is often caused by chronic live

What is ALT (SGPT), and how to lower it?

ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase / SGPT) is an enzyme that is mainly found in liver cells. The level of ALT in our bloodstream is the primary indicator of liver health. What does high ALT indicate? ALT enzymes are normally contained within liver cells when the liver is healthy, but when the liver cells are injured or damaged by whatever means, ALT enzymes are released into the bloodstream, causing levels to go up. Therefore, by measuring the

The AST and ALT levels on your blood test results – what do they mean?

AST and ALT are two common markers for diagnosing liver diseases. Patients with liver disorders often find their AST and ALT levels unsatisfactory, but what do the figures actually imply? And do patients of every kind of liver dysfunctions have the same levels? AST:ALT ratio Although the normal range of AST and ALT level varies among laboratories and countries, the ratio of AST:ALT is key when it comes to diagnosing liver diseases. The use

What does elevated ALT level means? And when is treatment needed?

ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase / SGPT) is a type of enzyme found in liver cells. When the liver cells are functioning normally, the ALT enzymes should be contained within the liver cells. You can imagine each liver cells as a balloon, and the ALT enzymes are the air inside the balloon. When the balloon is damaged, the air will be released. And when the liver cells is damaged, ALT enzymes are released into the bloodstream, therefore we are able to find out the l