Viral hepatitis Flashcards
what type of viral hepatitis are there vaccinations for?
hepatitis A and B
what are complications of hepatitis C?
rheumatological: arthralgia, arthritis
eye problems: sjogrens syndrome
cirrhosis
hepatocellular carcinoma
cryoglobinaemia
porphyria cutanea tarda
membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis
what is the treatment for hepatitis C?
combination of protease inhibitors (e.g. Daclatasvir and Sofosbuvir) +/- Ribavirin
what is the treatment for hepatitis B?
pegylated interferon alpha
when is immunisation for hepatitis B given in the UK?
2, 3 and 4 months
what are complications of hepatitis B?
fulminant liver failure chronic hepatitis co-infection with hepatitis D hepatocellular carcinoma glomerulonephritis polyarteritis nodosa cryoglobinaemia
who should receieve the hepatitis A vaccine?
men who have sex with men chronic liver disease haemophilia occupational risk IV drug abuser people travelling to areas of high prevalence of hep A
what is the investigation of choice to diagnose hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C virus RNA
what are side effects of ribavirin?
haemolytic anaemia
cough
teratogenic (women shouldn’t become pregnant up to 6 months after stopping it)
what are side effects of interferon alpha?
flu-like symptoms depression fatigue leukopenia thrombocytopenia
what laboratory tests results would you find in a patient with cryoglobinaemia?
low complement level
high ESR
what is cryoglobinaemia?
immunoglobulins undergo reversible precipitation at low temperatures (4 degrees) and dissolve when warmed to 37 degrees
type II associated with hepatitis C
what is the presentation of porphyria cutanea tarda?
photosensitive rash with blistering and skin fragility in the face and dorsal aspect of hands
hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth)
hyperpigmentation
what laboratory test would you find a patient with porphyria cutanea tarda?
raised uroporphyrinogen and pink fluorescence of urine under Wood’s lamp
