HEPATITIS C

Course overview

Unlike hepatitis A and B, most patients newly diagnosed with hepatitis C are asymptomatic. The majority of diagnoses are made during biochemical or blood donor screening, or when symptoms emerge from advanced chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis or end-stage liver disease. Clinicians can play a significant case-finding role with people who have hepatitis C because 90% have an identifiable risk factor. By taking careful histories, clinicians can identify those at risk and guide them to serological testing. On a more personal level, people with hepatitis C who remain unidentified pose a serious occupational threat to healthcare workers. This activity provides an overview of related risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment options.