[Risks associated with hepatitis infection in patients with hepatitis C and opportunities for prophylaxis].
Patients with chronic hepatitis C remain at risk of acquiring hepatitis A infection and additional liver injury. The estimated risk of HAV infection in HCV patients is similar to that in general population but may be higher in anti-HCV positive drug users. Despite some controversies available data indicate that hepatitis A infection is associated with much higher incidence of hepatitis fulminans and mortality rate in individuals with pre-existing liver disease. In Poland about 60% of all HCV-infected adults have natural immunity to HAV, however majority of those under 35 years majority remains unprotected. Currently available inactivated HAV vaccine proved to be highly immunogenic and safe in patients with hepatitis C. The vaccination should be administered in each unprotected patient upon diagnosis of HCV infection.
Chlabicz
Sławomir
S
Zakład Medycyny Rodzinnej i Pielegniarstwa Srodowiskowego Akademii Medycznej w Białymstoku. schlabicz@poczta.onet.pl
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000150:complications* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D022362:Hepatitis A Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017957:Hepatitis A Virus, Human / Q000302:isolation & purification; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors
D022362:Hepatitis A Vaccines