While Hepatitis B and C have acquired almost an epidemic status in our country, Auto Immune Hepatitis is largely overlooked in the list of liver diseases. known to mostly affect women, AIH incidentally does not have any specific symptoms, making it a potential threat for Indian population.

World renowned couple Dr Giorgina Mieli-Vergani, emeritus professor of paediatric hepatology, King?s College Hospital, London and her husband

Dr Diego Vergani, emeritus

professor of liver immunopathology, King?s College Hospital London, said, ?AIH is

a progressive inflammatory

liver disorder affecting mainly females, characterised by the presence of auto antibodies. as a result, our body?s infection fighting mechanism cells start behaving just the opposite. By the time, it is diagnosed, much of the damage to the liver is already done.?

If left untreated, AIH generally progresses rapidly to cirrhosis and liver failure. the peak incidence of the disease is before puberty and 75 per cent of the patients are girls.

?In fact researches have established that patients of Hepatitis C are at greater risk of developing AIH and since India has a significant number of patients of Hepatitis C virus, therefore it assumes larger significance?, said Dr Giorgina.

Top identify AIH patients in this part of the country, already a team of experts at the department of Immunopathology, PGIMER is on board a project with the doctor couple. ?The only hindrance is about transportation of samples. We are working out on a modalities for the smooth continuation of the research to find out the pathogenesis of Indian patients with this condition,? said Dr Diego.

Reader’s Comments | Post a comment

I overdosed on tylonal 3 about a month and a half ago, presently I feel great, I've changed my ways and become healthy…..am I still at risk of liver failure?

The liver is a tough organ; I suppose that given its job as Chief Waste-Filterer, it needs to be tough. I lost a friend to liver cancer a few years back; he showed no symptoms until just a few months before his death.

Congratulations on your comeback, but don't get cocky now; see your doctor and do what s/he tells you. good luck.

well done , now go and find all the medical stuff out

The hepatitis C virus is usually detectable in the blood within one to three weeks after infection, and antibodies to the virus are generally detectable within 3 to 12 weeks. Approximately 15-40% of persons infected with HCV clear the virus from their bodies during the acute phase as shown by normalization in liver function tests (LFTs) such as alanine transaminase (ALT) & aspartate transaminase (AST) normalization, as well as plasma HCV-RNA clearance (this is known as spontaneous viral clearance). The remaining 60-85% of patients infected with HCV develops chronic hepatitis C, i.e., infection lasting more than 6 months.

Hepatitis C is one of five currently identified viruses–hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E–all of which can attack and damage the liver. Widely viewed as one of the most serious of the five, the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is spread primarily through contact with infected blood and can cause cirrhosis (irreversible and potentially fatal liver scarring), liver cancer, or liver failure. Hepatitis C is the major reason for liver transplants in the United States, accounting for 1,000 of the procedures annually. The disease is responsible for between 8,000 and 10,000 deaths yearly.

Symptoms of Hepatitis C

At the beginning of an hepatitis C virus infection, only about 25% of patients exhibit the characteristic symptoms of acute (rapid onset) hepatitis. These symptoms include fatigue, muscular aches, poor appetite, and low-grade fever. Rarely, yellowing of the skin and/or eyes (jaundice) also occurs. However, most patients (about 75%) experience minimal or no symptoms at the onset of hepatitis C virus.

Most patients with hepatitis C do not experience symptoms. if they appear at all, symptoms develop about 1 – 2 months after a person is infected. Symptoms of progressive chronic viral hepatitis may be very subtle. In some patients, itchy skin is the first symptom. Overall, fatigue is the most common symptom. many patients do not experience any symptoms at all.

A minority of people have symptoms during the early acute phase of the infection. These symptoms typically develop 5-12 weeks after exposure to HCV. Some people describe the symptoms as being flulike. The symptoms may last a few weeks or months.

If the infection has been present for many years, the liver may be permanently scarred — a condition called cirrhosis. In many cases, there may be no symptoms of the disease until cirrhosis has developed.

Causes of Hepatitis C

A small number of babies born to mothers with hepatitis C acquire the infection during childbirth. Mother-to-infant transmission rates are higher among women infected with both hepatitis C and HIV. Talk with your doctor about these risks before becoming pregnant.

Hepatitis C can cause damage to your liver, even if you don’t have symptoms. You’re also able to pass the virus to others without having any symptoms yourself. That’s why it’s important to be tested if you think

IV drug use appears to be the most common mode of HCV transmission, accounting for 50 percent or more of infections. Sharing drug needles or having received a tattoo from an unclean needle are also risk factors. Sexual transmission is less common than with hepatitis B. Maternal transmission of HCV infection has been demonstrated, but the incidence appears to be low (about 2-5 percent).

Transfusion with infected blood or blood products, hemodialysis, or transplantation of organs from infected donors was once a common mode of transmission but is now rare.

January 15, 2011 in Features Peter H. Gott, M.D., United Media the Spokesman-Review

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DEAR DR. GOTT: I am disabled with extensive nerve damage from liver failure. I have a lot of problems. Just in the past few months, I’ve had spells where I yawn constantly. the problem usually starts shortly after I wake up, but it also happens later in the day. they aren’t wimpy little yawns, either, but those that start in your toes and gather momentum as they head north. by the time they reach my head, my mouth is wide open and I’m stretching my jaw as far as I can. this may go on for hours and simply wears me out, not to mention that it kinda hurts. Any ideas?

DEAR READER: unless performed intentionally, yawning is an involuntary action involving many body parts. the mouth opens, the jaw drops, abdominal muscles flex, lungs expand, the diaphragm is pushed down, heart rate increases, and muscles and joints flex. the process is reversed as we force that air back out of the mouth. People of every age – even an 11-week-old fetus will yawn. And when we see someone do just that, we will likely follow along. To even read about the topic in my column will likely cause a person to yawn.

Excessive yawning can be caused by a vasovagal reaction on the blood vessels and could indicate a cardiac problem, sleep apnea or excessive daytime fatigue. Because of this, you should address the subject with your doctor or cardiologist. Yawning doesn’t reflect boredom, as proven by athletes who will yawn prior to running a race or entering a swim meet. Therefore, I recommend you make that appointment so you can get to the bottom of the problem.

To provide related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Sleep Wake Disorders.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped no. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order payable to Newsletter and mailed to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. be sure to mention the title.

DEAR DR. GOTT: Is there any cure for scleroderma?

DEAR READER: the localized form of scleroderma affects only the skin, while systemic scleroderma damages the heart, lungs, kidneys and digestive system. Symptoms and treatment vary, depending on the type.

Localized scleroderma can resolve on its own, systemic cannot, but a variety of medications is available to reduce the intensity of pain and help control symptoms. some drugs can dilate blood vessels, possibly reducing the severity of symptoms of conditions such as Raynaud’s disease and kidney and lung abnormalities. Physical therapists can help a patient work toward methods to manage pain, improve mobility, and increase strength. the appearance of skin lesions can be helped through ultraviolet-light exposure or laser surgery.

On the home front, a person should remain active, protect the skin from cold, discontinue smoking, and refrain from eating foods that contribute to heartburn or gas. Walking, yoga or tai chi might be to your liking. should Raynaud’s be present, remember to protect your hands at all times, such as by wearing gloves when placing foods in or taking them out of the freezer, or when hanging clothes on the line to dry.

Many illnesses and circumstances can cause irritation of the liver, for example, drugs, alcohol, chemicals, and autoimmune diseases.

Many viruses, for example, the virus of mononucleosis and the cytomegalovirus can inflame the liver.

Viral hepatitis is irritation of the liver caused by a virus. several dissimilar viruses, named the hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses, cause viral hepatitis.

All of these viruses cause acute, or short-term, viral hepatitis. the hepatitis B, C, and D viruses can also cause chronic hepatitis, in which the disease is prolonged, sometimes lifelong. Chronic hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.

Viral hepatitis include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E.

Each of these types of viral hepatitis is caused by the hepatitis virus of the same name, such as the hepatitis A virus.

The most widespread forms of viral hepatitis in the U.S. are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

Causes of Viral Hepatitis

Hepatitis A is more often than not transmitted by someone touching feces and then not washing their hands before putting them in their mouth or touching food.

It can be transmitted by ingesting contaminated food and water (for example, seafood from sewage contaminated water). It can also be transmitted through close contact with a big shot who has the virus.

1. Multiple sexual partners2. Intravenous drug users3. Haemophiliacs who be given blood clotting factors4. Blood transfusion

Symptoms of Viral Hepatitis

These are very variable. many patients have no symptom at all, others just feel ‘off colour’ for a few days.

The first symptoms notice by most patients are often tiredness, weakness, muscle pains and headaches follow shortly by loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and discomfort on the right side of the higher abdomen.

2. muscle or joint aches

Treatment of Viral Hepatitis

No specific drug therapy has been urbanized for hepatitis. with the exemption of hepatitis C, which has been treated rather productively with interferon alfa-2B?

Instead, the patient is advise to rest in thc early stages of the illness and to combat anorexia by eating small, high-protein meals.

There are no specific medicines that can cure acute viral hepatitis. Therefore, acute viral hepatitis handling is focused on dealing with any symptoms or complication that may occur.

This is known as supportive care. Even without specialized treatment, however, most people recover completely within a few months.

Home Remedies for Hepatitis

1. Artichoke increases the usefulness of liver function.

2. Ayurvedic medicine has used beets to promote the renewal of liver cells.

3. Burdock and dandelion are significant for cleansing the liver and the bloodstream.

4. Schizandra is a Chinese herb used to protect the liver.

5. Scutellaria, also known as Baikal skullcap or Chinese skullcap, is a Chinese herb that is a influential antioxidant.

6. Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory.

7. Other herbs beneficial for hepatitis comprise black radish, green tea, red clover, and yellow dock.

8. Eat a raw vegetable and fruit diet for two to four weeks. Start this diet with a cleansing fast.

Read more on Holiday Destination and Herbal Remedies.

Hepatitis c symptoms are somewhat of an enigma because frequently they never appear and, when they do, they can take years to present themselves. there are three different types of hepatitis, namely A, B, and C. All affect the liver by causing severe inflammation. Causes may include poisons or toxins, certain medications, and alcoholism. Hepatitis c is a result of the C virus (HCV).

If the inflammation can’t be controlled, the condition will be termed ‘chronic’. this means that it’ll turn into a long-term problem. When it reaches this stage, patients are at risk of severe liver disease which can lead to death. Of all hepatitis infections, seventy-five percent are hepatitis C. the condition can cause liver failure and, if this occurs, a liver transplant is the last hope .

Hepatitis C, like A and B, is very contagious. Transmission occurs via blood and the most common cause is the sharing of contaminated needles by drug addicts. An individual could have injected a recreational drug intravenously just once in their lives and be at risk of developing the condition.

Other reasons for transmission, even though less widespread, are from mother to child during childbirth, having multiple sex partners, or having sex with an infected partner. Sharing personal things like nail clippers, eating utensils, and razors with an infected person will put you at risk of developing the disease. On the other hand, you can not get it by living with, or touching, someone with hepatitis .

The disturbing factor about hepatitis C is that 80 percent of people with it have no idea that they are infected. That is mainly because it doesn’t usually present symptoms and, when it does, these could possibly occur as long as 20 years after initial exposure. Also, the symptoms might be mild, vague, and erratic. By the time they do appear, serious liver damage has already occurred.

Occasionally, symptoms are shown within the early phase of infection. They normally happen 5-12 weeks after exposure to the virus. They can very best be described as typical flu symptoms. Typical ones consist of vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, pain under the right side of the rib cage, fatigue, pale stools, dark colored urine, and jaundice.

Cirrhosis of the liver can typically occur with chronic cases of HCV. this is a condition that generally affects alcoholics. if cirrhosis develops, further damage occurs simply because tough fibrous tissue replaces the liver’s healthy tissues. Over time, this will cause complete liver failure and loss of all the organ’s functions. Symptoms of cirrhosis include confusion, hallucinations, vomiting blood, fluid retention, weight loss, persistent jaundice, itchy skin, swelling of the limbs and belly, and sleep disturbances .

As mentioned earlier, hepatitis c symptoms don’t always present themselves early, if at all, as a result this disease might be known as a silent killer. anybody who has it can manage it with some necessary lifestyle changes. A healthy diet is important, as is regular exercise, and medical support. Additionally, alcohol need to be avoided completely. further liver damage may be prevented if this regime is adhered to. it is also advisable to be vaccinated against the B and A viruses.

If you want to find out additional resources in relation to hepatitis or perhaps about hepatitis c symptoms you need to pay a visit to this web site e-hepatitis-c.com

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia health officials have confirmed four cases of hepatitis A in Cabell, Jackson and Wayne counties in the past few weeks.

Hepatitis A is a fecal- and blood-based virus that causes irritation and swelling of the liver. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, joint pain and a yellowing of the skin or eyes.

The virus can be spread through sexual contact, contact with fecal matter and use of unclean needles.

The four cases were reported between Oct. 16 and 24, according to a health alert released by the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health.

"Hepatitis A is not something that you see much at all," said Susan Hosaflook, director of the Jackson County Health Department.

The last confirmed case in Jackson County was several years ago, Hosaflook said. The county has only one recently confirmed case and is not investigating any other potential infections, she said.

There were about 25,000 new cases of hepatitis A reported across the nation in 2007, a drastic decline from the 255,000 reported in 1987, according to the most recent data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Hepatitis A is rarely fatal, but symptoms can last two to six months. People most at risk of death or liver failure are age 50 or older or who have other liver diseases, such as hepatitis B or C.

Hepatitis A is most commonly passed from person to person through contact with fecal matter, either by a person not washing their hands after using the bathroom, changing a diaper or before preparing food, Hosaflook said.

"Washing your hands is the most preventable form of the transmission of diseases," she said, "and it's cheap."

Vaccines for hepatitis A are available through local health-care providers. Vaccinations for children under age 18 also are available at most county health departments.

Representatives with the Cabell County Health Department declined to say if officials were investigating any other cases in the county. Officials with the Wayne County Health Department were unavailable Thursday.

For more information about hepatitis A, or to report a case, call the state Division of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at 800-423-1271.

Reach Veronica Nett at veroni…@wvgazette.com or 304-348-5113.