Case 55: Hepatitis C Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Case 55: Hepatitis C Deck (8)
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1
Q

what is the clinical presentation of HepC?

A

A 48-year-old man presented to an internist for a physical exam, since he had not
been to a physician for many years. He was asymptomatic, but routine chemistry panel
showed elevated transaminases

He denied IV drug use, but on further questioning, he did recall that he received a
blood transfusion 25 years before, after an appendectomy

PE is totally normal and so are vitals

all labs are normal too except AST and ALT are elevated (slightly enlarged liver)

2
Q

which virus family is HepC?

A

flaviviridae

3
Q

what are the characteristics of HepC genome?

A

enveloped (+) icosahedral ssRNA

4
Q

how many HCV genotypes are there?

A

6

90 subtypes

genotype 1 is most common in US

5
Q

how is HepC transmitted?

A

parenteral = IV drug use, needle stick, tattooing, transfusion, transplants, sex, perinatal

6
Q

how do you diagnose HepC?

A

HCVAb

or detection of HCV RNA

7
Q

how do you treat HepC?

A

supportive care

interferon and ribavirin are two drugs licensed for the
treatment of chronic HCV infection

8
Q

how do you prevent HepC?

A

no vaccine

just avoid risk factors