Latest news with #liverdisease
Health Line
14-07-2025
- Health
- Health Line
What are the Different Types of Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a type of hepatitis that can be further broken down into genotypes, or strains. Knowing which type you have can determine which treatment will work best for you. Hepatitis C is a type of liver disease that is among the most common viral forms of hepatitis in the United States. Treatment is essential to easing hepatitis C infection and helping to prevent long-term complications. Knowing the type of hepatitis C you have can help your doctor in deciding which treatment to suggest. What is hepatitis C? The term 'hepatitis' refers to liver inflammation in general. Hepatitis C is inflammation due to infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). There are five types of viral hepatitis, with HAV, HBV, and HCV the most common in the U.S. The other types are HDV and HEV. How do you get hepatitis C? Hepatitis C primarily spreads through direct contact with the blood of someone who also has the viral infection. While treatable when detected in its early stages, about half of people with hepatitis C aren't aware they even have this condition. There is also currently no vaccine available for HCV to help prevent hepatitis C. How are different types of hepatitis C classified? Different types of hepatitis C are classified into different strains, or genotypes, of HCV, depending on the genetic makeup of the virus. Seven main genotypes are currently recognized. Though some strains are seen worldwide, others are more regional. Genotype Description 1 Genotype 1 is the most common HCV strain, accounting for about 60% of cases in the U.S. This strain may also be further divided into types 1a and 1b. 2 Genotype 2 also includes types 2a, 2b, and 2c. While cases have been noted worldwide, strain 2 is primarily seen in both central and western Africa. 3 Genotype 3 is another possible strain of HCV seen in the U.S. However, it's primarily diagnosed in Asia. Genotype 3 may also be further classified into types 3a and 3b. 4 Genotype 4 is mostly seen in the Middle East and northern Africa 5 Strain 5 is primarily seen in South Africa. 6 Genotype 6 mostly occurs in southeastern Asia. 7 Strain 7 is only seen in the Congo region of central Africa. How does the type of hepatitis C affect treatment? The differences between each strain of HCV may determine how well prescription direct-acting antiviral treatments can help treat hepatitis C. Each type can impact the effectiveness of the overall treatment. The most commonly diagnosed hepatitis C genotypes in the U.S. are genotypes 1, 2, and 3. As such, your doctor will likely choose an antiviral treatment that can target one of these three strains. Testing can help confirm the exact genotype you have. During treatment, a doctor will order regular blood testing to determine whether the medications you're taking are working. How do you know which type of hepatitis C you have? Genotype testing for hepatitis C can be important to determine exactly which type of HCV infection you have, so a doctor can make tailored treatment recommendations. This includes the type of antiviral treatment prescribed and how long you need to take these medications. While genotype 1 is the most common type of hepatitis C in the U.S., it's important to let your doctor know if you've recently traveled internationally in case you have come into contact with other types. The only way to know which type of hepatitis C you have is through a blood test. A doctor will then send a sample to a lab for further molecular testing. A doctor can also confirm that you have hepatitis C by testing your blood for an HCV antibody. »MORE: Learn more about symptoms, causes, and risk factors of hepatitis C. How to treat different types of hepatitis C? Treatment for any type of hepatitis C is important in clearing up the viral infection. While some cases are short-term (acute), others may develop into chronic hepatitis C. Chronic cases can also increase your risk of developing liver cirrhosis or cancer. According to the CDC, antiviral treatment for hepatitis C in the U.S. typically involves oral medications you take for 8 to 12 weeks. Hepatitis C treatment also has an estimated 95% cure rate. The key is to determine which type of hepatitis C you have so a doctor can prescribe the right treatment. In some cases, you might need more than one medication. Your doctor may first try a pangenotypic regimen, which means that it may treat all genotypes. Examples of medication include: glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (Mavyret) sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (Epclusa) sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir (Vosevi) Genotypes 1 and 4 may respond best to ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (Harvoni) or elbasvir/grazoprevir (Zepatier). Prescribing the right medication for your hepatitis C genotype may involve some trial and error. This is why regular blood testing is important to determine whether the antiviral medications are working. »MORE: Discover a full list of heptatitis C medications. The takeaway Hepatitis C is an infection that results from the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Several strains of HCV exist worldwide – seven main ones are currently known. The type of HCV infection you have can be determined with a simple blood test. While some direct-acting antiviral medications target all HCV genotypes, it may be useful to try a treatment that targets your specific genotype. Testing your blood to see which type of HCV you have can help a doctor decide which treatment may work best for you. Frequently asked questions Find answers to some frequently asked questions about hepatitis C genotypes: What is an HCV genotype? An HCV genotype refers to different strains of HCV that arise due to variations in the genetic make up of the virus. While new HCV genotypes are still being discovered, there are currently seven main genotypes that are known. How common is each HCV genotype worldwide? Genotype 1 is considered the most common worldwide and in the U.S. Genotypes 2 and 3 are also seen around the globe, while genotypes 4 to 7 are more regional. Does my HCV genotype affect my treatment? It's possible that the HCV genotype you have can affect how well antiviral treatments can work. However, newer medications are being developed that can treat all forms of hepatitis C and eliminate the need for genotype testing. How is HCV genotype testing performed? HCV genotype testing involves a blood test. A laboratory can then look for variations in the virus' genome to identify the strain, before reporting the results back to your doctor. Can a person have more than one HCV genotype? While uncommon, it's possible to have more than one HCV genotype at the same time. In this case, your doctor will need to make sure your treatment can treat all of them. Does my HCV genotype affect how severe my symptoms are? Some studies indicate that certain genotypes are associated with more severe hepatitis. For example, genotype 3 HCV infections may increase your risk of rapid fibrosis as well as liver cancer. Can my HCV genotype change over time? No, your HCV genotype will not change over time. You will usually only need to be tested to find out the genotype once. However, if you get the virus again, you'll need to have a test to determine the genotype once more. Are certain HCV genotypes more common in specific populations? Certain genotypes are more likely in particular geographical locations. For example, while genotype 1 is the most common worldwide, some genotypes are more regional, such as genotype 7 that is mostly seen in the Congo. Do HCV genotypes differ in how easily they spread? While it's unclear whether certain HCV genotypes spread more easily than others, research suggests some genotypes may have higher viral loads.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Young Valley man advocates for others with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
It's a disease that impacts nearly a quarter of all adults across the U.S., according to groups like The American Heart Association, and you may not even know you have it since many people never experience any symptoms. It's called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, and a young Valley man has lived with it for nearly half his life. He's decided to open up about his journey to help end the stigma and raise awareness for the disease.
Globe and Mail
06-07-2025
- Health
- Globe and Mail
This extraordinary gift from a living organ donor has changed my life
First Person is a daily personal piece submitted by readers. Have a story to tell? See our guidelines at On May 7, 2024, I found the One. Or rather, the One found me. I'm not talking about a soulmate to ride off into the sunset with, I'm talking about an organ donor. That was the day I was told that a match had been found, and I was going to receive my life-saving liver transplant. For more than 12 years I had been living with a rare liver disease and for the past 11 months had been urgently searching for a living donor – some remarkable person willing to give me part of their liver so that I could survive. The need for organs vastly exceeds the supply. Despite being on the transplant waitlist, my blood type and the nature of my disease meant that I was going to die on that list. My only hope was to find a match among the living. I wrote about my desperate situation in The Globe and Mail and I explained that there were no matches within my family or friends, so I had to go public. The vulnerability of asking strangers for an organ felt unbearable – but it was a choice between life or death. My liver is turning to stone. I need a living donor, and soon We launched my campaign in November, 2023, on social media hoping it would be widely shared, and it was. My donor, Trisha, who lives in the United States, saw my appeal after it was shared by someone she went to high school with 20 years ago. She reached out to say that she couldn't stop thinking about my story, and in mid-March told me she had applied to be my donor. To say I was skeptical is +an understatement. My first thought was: I need a donor here, in Canada. But she was my first real hope and I didn't want to ask further questions. Here was this person with the same blood type and a willing spirit. We messaged a bit, and she told me she was coming to Toronto to undergo the next phase of testing. I was hesitant when she asked if I wanted to meet her when she was here. What if the testing ruled her out? What if she ultimately changed her mind? I didn't want to get attached. By April, my health had been rapidly declining for months and I was experiencing horrifying physical symptoms that would be the envy of nightmares, like spontaneous nosebleeds, jaundice and sever brain fog. I spent an entire week in the hospital's transplant unit trying to get stabilized – the same week she was also there getting the final tests. She asked if I wanted updates, and I did – I desperately did – but I couldn't bring myself to tell her that I was several floors up from her. I couldn't put that kind of pressure on her shoulders. If the doctors ruled her out as my donor, I didn't want her feeling like she had failed me when I was at a critical juncture. On her last night in Toronto, she told me all the tests went well, and it looked very promising that we would get the green light for transplant. We just had to wait for the transplant team to meet and discuss my case the following week. She again asked if I wanted to meet early the following day before her flight home. At that moment I realized even if she wasn't the One, I had to meet her because she had come farther for me than anyone else. I told her things had gotten worse and I was in the hospital. When she came to my room the next morning, I was so nervous as I sat on the edge of the bed waiting. I peeked outside my room and saw her coming around the corner. Without hesitation, I rushed up and threw my arms around her. I held her so tightly, afraid that if I let go, she might evaporate into mist, but she didn't. She was real. Flesh and blood and liver. In mid-June of last year, Trisha performed the miracle I needed: She brought me back to life. A life that is filled with gratitude, purpose and a perfect organ. Just past the one-year mark, it will never be lost on me how fortunate I am to have received this extraordinary gift. I asked her why she did this for a stranger, and she said, 'because someone needed to do it' and so she courageously did. This new liver is my most treasured possession and has let me resume teaching and researching in the art history department at the University of Toronto, spending time with the people I love, and advocating for organ donation awareness and education, especially living donation. During the waiting process, I began to refer to my future donor as my 'living donor angel.' Trisha later told me that while she now lives in the northwest, she was born and raised in Los Angeles. My living donor angel was literally from the City of Angels. I am in awe of the capacity of human kindness, and the synchronicities of the universe. Stephanie Azzarello lives in Toronto.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Alcohol-related liver problems escalate in Wisconsin, especially for women, young people
Deaths from liver diseases that result from consuming too much alcohol are escalating dramatically in Wisconsin, and even more alarming, such diseases are showing up more in younger people. The numbers mirror national trends described in a June 11 study in JAMA Open Network, which found a "significant acceleration" in alcohol-associated liver disease deaths during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Nationwide, such deaths increased nearly 9% annually between 2018 and 2022. In Wisconsin, deaths from cirrhosis of the liver — one of several liver diseases tied to alcohol consumption — rose 35% between 2019 and 2023, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It's well-documented that Americans began drinking more during the pandemic, and coupled with Wisconsin's deeply entrenched drinking culture, experts worry about the toll they're seeing on people's physical health. Alcohol-related deaths generally, which include myriad other causes besides liver problems, increased three-fold in Wisconsin between 1999 and 2020, a January analysis from the Journal Sentinel found. But experts say multidisciplinary treatment, reduced stigma around alcohol use disorder, and a renewed emphasis on education and prevention could improve the situation. "I think the narrative often in Wisconsin is just, 'Oh, we're just big drinkers,' and that's all there is," said Maureen Busalacchi, director of the Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Project at the Medical College of Wisconsin. "The message is not that you can't drink at all. It's more, really think about it, and just drink less." More: Wisconsin's alcohol-related deaths more than tripled since 1999: See the data U.S. dietary guidelines for alcohol urge people of drinking age to limit consumption to one drink or fewer per day for women and two drinks or fewer per day for men. When people consume significant amounts of alcohol over a prolonged period of time, fat begins to turn up in the liver, and then scar tissue, which can lead to cirrhosis, said Dr. Rita German, a transplant hepatologist at UW Health in Madison. Many times, German said, liver disease symptoms such as jaundice, fever and confusion don't show themselves until the disease has progressed, making it harder to treat. Nearly 3,000 Wisconsinites died from alcohol-related liver diseases from 2019 to 2023, CDC data show. The large majority — 2,072 — were from cirrhosis. Deaths from most types of liver diseases due to alcohol consumption increased in those years, including alcoholic fatty liver and alcoholic hepatic failure in addition to cirrhosis. Deaths from alcoholic hepatitis fell slightly. Busalacchi called the numbers a huge concern. Most of these deaths are preventable, she contended. Doctors used to think of alcohol-related liver diseases as affecting people past middle age, German said. But increasingly, that age is dropping. At UW Health's multidisciplinary clinic for patients with such diseases, she said, the average age is now 45, and she's treated some as young as 25. More: Alcohol-related deaths in Wisconsin tripled since 1999. Will a new warning from the surgeon general slow the trend? That may seem to conflict with recent research showing young people, particularly Gen Z, drinking less. But while some are cutting back, those who do drink are drinking more heavily, Busalacchi said. And while alcohol use among Wisconsin high schoolers has generally decreased in recent years, more than one in 10 reported binge drinking in the last 30 days on the state's most recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey, done in 2023. The JAMA study noted, in particular, increases in alcohol-related liver disease deaths among adults ages 25-44. Deaths among women also increased disproportionately. Women absorb more alcohol into their bloodstream because they're generally smaller than men and because women's bodies have less gastric alcohol dehydrogenase, the enzyme that breaks down alcohol in the stomach, German said. Thus, they're at greater risk for liver damage. The Medical College of Wisconsin's liver transplant team reports younger and younger women needing transplants due to alcohol consumption, Busalacchi said. More: US to drop guidance to limit alcohol to one or two drinks per day, sources say To catch alcohol-related liver diseases earlier, German said, it's critical that patients be forthcoming about their alcohol use at the doctor's office. And for that to happen, she said, doctors must view alcohol use disorder for what it is — a disease, not a personal failing. People who are concerned about their alcohol consumption may also request an ultrasound of their liver, German said. From there, they can begin treatment if need be. She also sees the benefits in treatment that is comprehensive. At UW Health's clinic, patients not only see doctors like German who attend to the liver, but addiction specialists and counselors to treat underlying mental health conditions that can drive alcohol use. The clinic has treated between 250 and 300 people since it began in 2021. If it's caught in time, fat and scarring in the liver can be reversed by abstaining from alcohol, German said. Busalacchi's work continues to focus on changing societal perceptions on drinking culture. She sees encouraging signs around the state from communities that are offering more education about the consequences of excessive drinking, especially for youth. Some are taking a harder stance on age compliance checks for alcohol sales. Madeline Heim covers health and the environment for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Contact her at 920-996-7266 or mheim@ This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin deaths from alcohol-related liver diseases sharply rise
Health Line
30-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC): Diagnosing and Living With This Liver Condition
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) affects the liver and bile ducts. Symptoms and treatment vary from person to person. PSC is a rare liver disease that affects the bile ducts. It's progressive, which means it gets worse over time. Treatment includes taking certain medications, including antibiotics, undergoing procedures to address blockages, and — in cases of liver failure — receiving an organ transplant. Here's what you need to know about PSC, its symptoms, and the outlook with proper treatment. What is primary sclerosing cholangitis? The liver is an organ in your body that breaks down food into its essential nutrients (proteins, fats, etc.) and energy, vitamins, and minerals. It also works to remove toxins from the bloodstream and assists in the digestive process by making a fluid called bile. More specifically, the bile ducts in the liver are responsible for transporting digestive juices (bile) from the liver to the small intestine and gallbladder. Bile helps break down fats and fatty vitamins in these organs and further aids digestion. With PSC, inflammation causes damage in the form of scarring, also called fibrosis. The scarring narrows and eventually blocks the bile ducts. When the ducts are blocked, the bile cannot travel where it needs to go. This results in liver damage. How many stages of primary sclerosing cholangitis exist? There are four stages of PSC: Cholangitis or portal hepatitis: With cholangitis, scarring is limited to the portal areas of the liver. Periportal fibrosis or periportal hepatitis: Areas of scarring extend beyond the portal areas but do not yet connect. Septal fibrosis, bridging necrosis (or both): Areas of scarring begin to connect to one another. Biliary cirrhosis: Scarring forms 'honeycomb' shapes and becomes more widespread. You may not have any symptoms or only mild signs in the beginning stages, so any symptoms you're experiencing do not necessarily relate to the stage of PSC. That said, symptoms tend to get more severe with each stage and continued damage to the liver. What causes primary sclerosing cholangitis? Doctors don't know exactly what causes PSC. And what causes it may be different for different people. What they do know is that: Some 70% of people who are affected are men, primarily young and middle-aged men. Around 80% of people with PSC also have inflammatory bowel disease. Several factors may increase your risk, like having certain viral or bacterial infections or a family history of the condition. What are the symptoms of primary sclerosing cholangitis? You may not have symptoms in the early stages of PSC. Some people may be asymptomatic or only have mild symptoms for the first few years. If you do have symptoms, they may come and go and get worse as the condition progresses. Possible symptoms include: fatigue itchy skin (pruritus) yellow skin and eyes (jaundice) fever, chills nausea abdominal pain (upper right) weight loss dark-colored urine, light-colored stools vitamin deficiencies enlarged liver or spleen If you're experiencing any concerning symptoms, make an appointment with a primary care doctor. They may refer you to a liver specialist called a hepatologist for more detailed testing and treatment. How is primary sclerosing cholangitis diagnosed? Signs of PSC may show up as abnormal results on liver blood tests. A more concrete diagnosis can be made after an liver MRI or a test called a cholangiography, where contrast dye is injected into the bile ducts and then viewed on an X-ray. How do you treat primary sclerosing cholangitis? To treat PSC, doctors will first personalize treatment by focusing on the symptoms a person is experiencing. The main goal of treatment is not to cure the condition but to slow its progression. Treatment options include: Medications: Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection or manage inflammation. Other medications include cholestyramine to help manage skin itching and bisphosphonates to protect bone mass and treat osteoporosis. Surgery: You may have endoscopic surgery to remove blockages in the bile ducts or widen narrowed ducts. Lifestyle changes: You may need to reduce or avoid your alcohol intake and quit smoking to further protect your liver. Eating a balanced, nutritious diet and taking supplements may also help address nutritional deficiencies. Vaccination: Your doctor may recommend getting vaccinated against both hepatitis A and B to provide extra protection for your liver. A liver transplant may be necessary in the later stages of PSC. This is usually around 10 years after diagnosis. Examples of later-stage complications might include: itching that is difficult to manage recurrent bacterial cholangitis end stage liver disease liver failure Liver transplants are generally effective in treating PSC, and many people go on to have a full, healthy life. However, it's also possible for PSC to come back, even with a transplant. Does the NHS cover primary sclerosing cholangitis liver procedures? The National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom provides universal healthcare. The NHS generally pays for both inpatient and outpatient hospital care, which may include liver procedures and transplants. Still, there is no legislation or ' absolute right ' to specific care of any kind. It's important to check with your hospital for details on the coverage provided for you and your procedure. The average time a person waits for a liver transplant in the United Kingdom is between 5 and 7 months. This time may be shorter or longer depending on organ availability and your health status. Is primary sclerosing cholangitis covered by insurance plans in the United States? In the U.S., many insurance plans cover the basic treatments and prescription medications that might come with PSC. Of course, insurance plans vary, so it's important to know what your plan formulary allows. Most insurance companies also cover liver transplants, though it's important to check with your carrier to verify that coverage and your out-of-pocket costs. What's the long-term outlook for primary sclerosing cholangitis? Without treatment, people with PSC may experience: liver failure frequent infections certain cancers Both bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) and gallbladder cancer are two types of cancer that are more likely to occur in people with PSC. Again, this condition is progressive, so it tends to worsen over time. Treatment may slow the progression and treat symptoms, but a liver transplant is often necessary. The outlook for people who have undergone a liver transplant for PSC is favorable. Around 80% survive beyond 2 years after surgery with a good quality of life. Takeaway PSC is a rare, progressive liver disease that affects the bile ducts. Symptoms can vary in intensity and may include fatigue, itching, and yellowing skin and eyes. If you're experiencing any symptoms that concern you, make an appointment with a primary care doctor. They may refer you to a hepatologist for tests and treatments. There are various treatments for PSC, depending on the stage and symptoms you're experiencing. Some people with PSC may need a liver transplant around 10 years after their diagnosis. After a transplant, many people go on to have a good quality of life.
