tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73487620894679666522024-03-13T12:34:15.653-06:00hepclibraryWelcome to my personal collection of Hepatitis C resources.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348762089467966652.post-21516838528462880512009-01-01T12:00:00.001-07:002007-04-24T08:57:50.192-06:00ORGANIZATIONS<a href="http://www.liverfoundation.org/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">American Liver Foundation</span></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">http://www.liverfoundation.org/</span><br />In New York City<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.britishlivertrust.org.uk/content/home/default.asp">British Liver Trust </a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 0); font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">http://www.britishlivertrust.org.uk/content/home/default.asp</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/index.htm">CDC - Hepatitis C page</a> (government)</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/index.htm</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/</span> (Viral Hepatitis Main Home Page)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.hepatitis-c.de/hepace.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Deutsches Hepatitis C Forum e.V.</span></a> Germany (most of site is in English)<br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">http://www.hepatitis-c.de/hepace.htm </span><br />The only place you'll see German is in the "Literature" link, but there is an English option in the sidebar. This is a great site - lots of information and resources pertinent to the U.S. See also their page on Alternative resources under my "Alternative & Complementary Treatments" section.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.epidemic.org/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Epidemic.org</span></a> Hepatitis C<br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 153, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">http://www.epidemic.org/</span><br /></span>Designed and developed by the C. Everett Koop Institute at Dartmouth College<br /><br /><a href="http://www.fairfoundation.org/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">FAIR Foundation </span></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 153, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">http://www.fairfoundation.org/</span><br /></span>The Fair Allocations In Research Foundation<br />$3,084 is spent on research for every AIDS patient, while only $25 is spent on the HepC patient.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.healingwell.com/library/hepatitis/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Healing Well's Hepatitis Library</span></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.healingwell.com/library/hepatitis/</span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.hcvadvocate.org/">HCV Advocate</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">http://www.hcvadvocate.org/</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9N1nrRyshH9bjlZJ23Qk1HSD1K0-JCDmHYF0ZBGzXDxLh1vOOK55634LmNzzcvQxqwE7iaHHzSP5DUBYlRfTzPre-vjwDgG1V6nuS0rA9nZYJPILsOgX_x-kdeUb0_xRJLRBl6Cq1944/s1600-h/screenshot-HCVAdvocate.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9N1nrRyshH9bjlZJ23Qk1HSD1K0-JCDmHYF0ZBGzXDxLh1vOOK55634LmNzzcvQxqwE7iaHHzSP5DUBYlRfTzPre-vjwDgG1V6nuS0rA9nZYJPILsOgX_x-kdeUb0_xRJLRBl6Cq1944/s200/screenshot-HCVAdvocate.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045660246877911074" border="0" /></a><br />The Hepatitis C Support Project(HCSP), is a non-profit orgnization founded in 1997 to address education, support and services.<br />Also see <a href="http://hbvadvocate.org/">HBV Advocate</a> for Hepatitis B information, and the "Hepatitis B" heading in the sidebar at right.<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.hepcchallenge.org/">Hep C Challenge</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">http://www.hepcchallenge.org/</span><br />HCCAP (Hepatitis C Caring Ambassadors Program) The book, below, is an excellent resource. The graphics are a little challenging, as the links to the chapters are all put together like a paragraph at the bottom of the page and in quite small print. It is, however, worth the effort.<br /><ul><li><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://hepcchallenge.org/choices/coverpagep.htm">Hep C Challenge's Online Book: "Choices"</a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;">http://hepcchallenge.org/choices/coverpagep.htm </span><br /></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">While the links to the chapters are found in the link just above, the Table of Contents is <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://hepcchallenge.org/choices/toc.htm">here</a> in a wonderfully readable form, but here there are no links, just the text.</span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.hepccoalition.com/">HepC Coalition</a><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">http://www.hepccoalition.com/</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.hepc-connection.org/">Hep C Connection</a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 153, 0);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">(in Denver, Colorado) </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 153, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">http://www.hepc-connection.org/</span><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBoEhY5ZkS-7xo93JeW5M65rC93R1WZvyU35Xu_Q28pC87nzPdVuAyHfemFGp1MFYIL6XTgdT52v4G2qKR4B99-dRjf65qlGcggt7AvRF18rAzJILLfwvvtvdCN79hx07-Wcp0FaPQNI/s1600-h/screenshot-HepCConnection.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBoEhY5ZkS-7xo93JeW5M65rC93R1WZvyU35Xu_Q28pC87nzPdVuAyHfemFGp1MFYIL6XTgdT52v4G2qKR4B99-dRjf65qlGcggt7AvRF18rAzJILLfwvvtvdCN79hx07-Wcp0FaPQNI/s200/screenshot-HepCConnection.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046341540360206402" border="0" /></a><br />This is an "education, support, and prevention network for those affected by, or at risk for, hepatitis C." It is "one of the nation's premier hepatitis C-focused advocacy organizations and the only one of its kind in Colorado." There is a 28-page pdf Resource Guide at their site.<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.hepcnetwork.org/">Hep C Network - NHCAC - (National Hepatitis C Advocacy Council) </a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 0); font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">http://www.hepcnetwork.org/</span><br /></span>National Hepatitis C Advocacy Council<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCk9E5K0g3zQ4Z7_R5nCWnm02Q_csTNcnTxYNiaiBJG4I3Qd-Mn457HcKeCSpm6RXvOo4Kx4w3AyCVasI1YSSOYFkiIxq7XEcKWSGCbSauxwqvq_0aNzYU7d1mQH2gwAymzn864bnekc/s1600-h/screenshot-HepCNetwork.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCk9E5K0g3zQ4Z7_R5nCWnm02Q_csTNcnTxYNiaiBJG4I3Qd-Mn457HcKeCSpm6RXvOo4Kx4w3AyCVasI1YSSOYFkiIxq7XEcKWSGCbSauxwqvq_0aNzYU7d1mQH2gwAymzn864bnekc/s200/screenshot-HepCNetwork.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5045660526050785330" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://hepatitis-central.com/">Hepatitis C Information Central</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">http://hepatitis-central.com/</span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.hepcmo.org/">Hepatitis C/HIV Multicultural Outreach</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">http://www.hepcmo.org/</span><br />in Kansas City, Missouri<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://hepfi.org/">Hepatitis Foundation International</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">http://hepfi.org/</span><br />In Silver Spring, Maryland<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myida.org/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Invisible Disabilities Advocate</span></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">http://www.myida.org/</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.hepnet.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">HepNet (Canada)</span></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.hepnet.com/</span><br />The Hepatitis Information Network<br />While there are a number of articles here, the site appears to be archival only, with no new entries since 2001 that I can find.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><a href="http://nastad.org/Programs/viralhepatitis/">NASTAD Viral Hepatitis Program</a><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">http://nastad.org/Programs/viralhepatitis/</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>National Alliance of State & Territorial Aids Directors: Bridging Science, Policy and Public Health (A non-profit national association of state health department HIV/AIDS<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>program directors)<br /><ul><li><a style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51);" href="http://nastad.org/Docs/highlight/200638_VHEP%20Resource%20Guide.pdf"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Viral Hepatitis and HIV/AIDS Integration: A Resource Guide for HIVAIDS Programs</span></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">.</span> <span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">http://nastad.org/Docs/highlight/200638_VHEP%20Resource%20Guide.pdf </span> This is a 272 page pdf document.</li></ul><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.natap.org/">NATAP National Aids Treatment Advocacy Project</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.natap.org</span><br />963 articles on Hepatitis C<br />346 articles on Hepatitis B<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.hepc.nhs.uk/index.asp">NHS Hepatitis C Awareness</a> (UK)<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">http://www.hepc.nhs.uk/index.asp</span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hepc/hepatitis_c/index.html">Public Health Agency of Canada - Hepatitis C</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hepc/hepatitis_c/index.html</span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.hepcuk.info/data/usercontentroot/home/">The Hepatitis C Trust</a> (UK)<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">http://www.hepcuk.info/data/usercontentroot/home/</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348762089467966652.post-23242914784977422762009-01-01T11:00:00.017-07:002008-05-12T12:06:35.892-06:00ALTERNATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY METHODS<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">NOTE: </span></span><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">When choosing an alternative care practitioner, it is crucial that you inform yourself on the appropriate education your practitioner should have. For naturopaths, their degree should come only from medical schools that are accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME). This is the ONLY accrediting agency recognized by the United States Dept. of Education for accrediting programs in naturopathic education. Your naturopath should also have passed the required state and national licensing exams and they should, even if living in a state that does not yet have a licensing program of naturopaths, be licensed in a state that does. (Most of the wording of this information is taken from the <a href="http://www.coanp.org/index.php">Colorado Association of Naturopathic Physicians</a> website.)<br />The only accredited Naturopathic schools in this country are:</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><a href="http://www.ncnm.edu/">National College of Naturopathic Medicine</a></li><li><a href="http://www.bastyr.edu/">Bastyr University</a></li><li><a href="http://www.scnm.edu/">Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Health Sciences</a></li></ul>There are other colleges in the process of accreditation. You can see this list on the <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.coanp.org/Training.php">Education and Training page</a> of the COANP. I have not yet compiled info on appropriate credentials for other alternative practitioners such as homeopaths, Chinese medicine practitioners and the like. (Naturopaths often do include homeopathy and Chinese medicine in their practices, among other things.)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />- - - -<br />It is always a good idea to check the dates of any information that appeals to you to determine whether or not it affects the validity of the article.<br /><br /></span></span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.bastyr.edu/default.asp">Bastyr University</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span> (Naturopathy)</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />http://www.bastyr.edu/default.asp<br /></span></span>Type "hepatitis c" into their search box.<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hepc/pubs/nc-hcp-sn-is/chapter6_e.html">Canada's Hepatitis C Resource Library </a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hepc/pubs/nc-hcp-sn-is/chapter6_e.html<br /></span>Includes a list of herbs that are toxic for Hepatitis C<br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 153, 0);"><br /></span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.docmisha.com/applying/hepatitis_help/index.html">Chinese: Doc Misha's Hepatitis C Help</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: italic;">http://www.docmisha.com/applying/hepatitis_help/index.html</span><br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.docmisha.com/applying/hepatitis_help/02western.html">Evaluating Heptitis: Western Medicine</a> http://www.docmisha.com/applying/hepatitis_help/02western.html</li><li><a href="http://www.docmisha.com/applying/hepatitis_help/03chinese.html">Evaluating Hepatitis: Chinese Medicine</a> http://www.docmisha.com/applying/hepatitis_help/03chinese.html</li><li><a href="http://www.docmisha.com/applying/hepatitis_help/04self_care.html">Self-Care</a> http://www.docmisha.com/applying/hepatitis_help/04self_care.html</li><li><a href="http://www.docmisha.com/applying/hepatitis_help/05practitioners.html">Information for Practitioners</a> http://www.docmisha.com/applying/hepatitis_help/05practitioners.html</li><li><a href="http://www.docmisha.com/applying/hepatitis_help/05-1certification.html">Professional Certification</a> http://www.docmisha.com/applying/hepatitis_help/05-1certification.html</li><li><a href="http://www.docmisha.com/applying/links/index.html#hepatitis">Hepatitis Links</a> http://www.docmisha.com/applying/links/index.html#hepatitis</li><li><a href="http://www.docmisha.com/applying/hepatitis_help/06download.html">Downloads</a> http://www.docmisha.com/applying/hepatitis_help/06download.html<br /></li></ul><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.hepcprimer.com/wordpress/2006/04/20/your-liver-springtime-and-traditional-chinese-medicine/">Chinese: Your Liver, Springtime and Traditional Chinese Medicine</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.hepcprimer.com/wordpress/2006/04/20/your-liver-springtime-and-traditional-chinese-medicine/</span><br />from Nicole Cutler, L.Ac., Hep C Primer, April 20, 2006<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.hepatitis-c.de/alternae.htm"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span>*Deutsches Hepatitis C Forum e.V. - </span></span></a><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.hepatitis-c.de/alternae.htm">Alternatives to Interferon</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">(Is in English) </span>http://www.hepatitis-c.de/alternae.htm<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Note on May 12, 2008: I see that the english version is no longer attached to these links, and I can't, with a quick exploration, seem to find an english version anywhere. Too bad, for there was lots of good info here. I'll try sometime in the next month to see if it exists anywhere.</span></span><br /></span><ul><li><a href="http://www.hepatitis-c.de/arealter.htm">Are There Alternatives?</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.hepatitis-c.de/natural.htm">Natural Medicine and Hepatitis C</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.hepatitis-c.de/useful.htm">Useful Herbal Medicine</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hepatitis-c.de/herbal.htm">Chinese Herbal Medicine for Hepatitis C</a><br /></li><li><a href="http://www.hepatitis-c.de/acupunct.htm">Reversing Hepatitis with Acupuncuture</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hepatitis-c.de/immune.htm">Immune System Disorder Nutritional Therapy</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hepatitis-c.de/amantad.htm">Amantadine</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hepatitis-c.de/astragal.htm">Astragalus</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hepatitis-c.de/enzyme.htm">Enzymetherapy</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hepatitis-c.de/epivir.htm">Epivir</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hepatitis-c.de/hormones.htm">Hormones</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hepatitis-c.de/hyperic.htm">Hypericin</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hepatitis-c.de/interleu.htm">Interleukin</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hepatitis-c.de/milk.htm">Milk Thistle</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hepatitis-c.de/thymosin.htm">Thymosin</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hepatitis-c.de/vitamine.htm">Vitamins</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hepatitis-c.de/zadax.htm">Zadaxin</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hepatitis-c.de/other.htm">Other Options for Treatment of Hepatitis C</a><br /></li></ul><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.healthyhepper.com/">Healthy Hepper</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.healthyhepper.com/</span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FDN/is_4_5/ai_65068473">Hepatitis C: A Retrospective Study, Literature Review, and Naturopathic Protocol</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FDN/is_4_5/ai_65068473</span><br />18 pages long (small web pages)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://hepcchallenge.org/choices/coverpagep.htm">Hep C Challenge's Online Book: "Choices"</a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-style: italic;">http://hepcchallenge.org/choices/coverpagep.htm<br /></span><span>This book is mentioned in the "Organizations" section above, and has several chapters on alternative care. Here are direct links to those specific chapters:</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://hepcchallenge.org/choices/integrative.htm">Chapter 10: Integrative Medicine</a> by Randy J. Horwitz, MD, PHD and Julia Jernberg, MD</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://hepcchallenge.org/choices/ayurvedic.htm">Chapter 11: Ayurvedic Medicine</a> by Shri K. Mishra ABMS, MD, MS; and Bharathi Ravi BAMS; and Sivaramaprasad Vinjamury, MD</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://hepcchallenge.org/choices/homeopathic.htm">Chapter 12: Homeopathic Medicine</a> by Sylvia Flesner, ND (naturopath)</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://hepcchallenge.org/choices/mindbody.htm">Chapter 13: Mind-Body Medicine and Spiritual Healing</a> by Peggy McCarthy</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://hepcchallenge.org/choices/chinese.htm">Chapter 14: Modern and Traditional Chinese Medicine</a> by Qing Cai Zhang, MD, LAc</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://hepcchallenge.org/choices/naturopathic.htm">Chapter 15: Naturopathic Medicine</a> by Lyn Patrick, ND</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://hepcchallenge.org/choices/supplements.htm">Chapter 16: Nutritional Supplementation</a> by Lark Lands, PhD and Lyn Patrick, ND</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://hepcchallenge.org/choices/products.htm">Chapter 17: Products Marketed To People w ith Hepatitis C</a> by Lyn Patrick, ND</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://hepcchallenge.org/choices/coinfection3.htm">Chapter 20, Section 3: Eastern Treatment Options (for HIV/HCV Coinfection) </a>by Misha Cohen, OMD, LAc</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://hepcchallenge.org/choices/coinfection4.htm">Chapter 20, Section 4: Naturopathic Treatment Options (for HIV/HCV Coinfection)</a> by Lyn Patrick, ND</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://hepcchallenge.org/choices/appendix_ayurvedic.htm">Appendix IV: Ayurvedic Herbs Used to Treat Liver Disorders</a></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://hepcchallenge.org/choices/appendix_tcm.htm">Appendix V: Chinese Medicine Herbs and Formulas: Pharmacology and Clinical Uses</a></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://hepcchallenge.org/choices/appendix_coinfection.htm">Appendix VII: Liver-Toxic Substances (Medications and Herbs)</a><br /></span></li></ul><br /><br /><a href="http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hepc/pubs/nc-hcp-sn-is/chapter6_e.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Herbs That Are Toxic To the Liver</span></a> (List of)<span style="font-style: italic;"><br />http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hepc/pubs/nc-hcp-sn-is/chapter6_e.html<br /></span>From Canada's Hepatitis C Resource Library<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.hepcvsg.org/nattoc.htm">Natural Therapies and HCV</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.hepcvsg.org/nattoc.htm<br /></span>Canadian Darlene Morrow's site<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.hepcvsg.org/bayley1.html">Naturopathic Treatment of Hepatitis C</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.hepcvsg.org/bayley1.html</span><br />Dr. David Bayley, BScK., N.D., North Vancouver<br /><br /><a href="http://nccam.nih.gov/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">NCCAM </span></a> (NIH - National Institutes of Health)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://nccam.nih.gov/</span><br />National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine<br />Enter "hepatitis c" (in quotes) in the search box at the top right corner of the page. Or go directly to the Hepatitis C page here:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://nccam.nih.gov/health/hepatitisc/">NCCAM's Hepatitis C page</a><br /></li></ul><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10554539&dopt=Abstract">PubMed: A Conservative Triple Antioxidant Approach to the Treatment of Hepatitis C</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">PubMed&list_uids=10554539&dopt=Abstract<br /></span>Integrative Medical Center of New Mexico, New Mexico State University<br />Las Cruces, NM<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.universityhealthclinic.com/hepatitis-treatement-seattle.html">University Health Clinic</a> Specialty Care and Research Center<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">http://www.universityhealthclinic.com<br />/hepatitis-treatement-seattle.html </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">(Yes, the spelling error in "treat<span style="font-weight: bold;">e</span>ment" is necessary for the URL to work)</span><br />Alternative treatment for Hepatitis C in Seattle (with very strong ties to Bastyr University). This is a one-of-a-kind center in this country - the largest for alternative treatment for Hep C.<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hepc/hepatitis_c/pdf/nutritionCareGuidelines/chapter6.html"><br /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348762089467966652.post-19890973679305268702007-02-04T13:00:00.000-07:002007-04-20T18:07:05.686-06:00RESOURCES - GENERAL<a href="http://www.drkoop.com/channel/93/12127.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dr. Koop - Hepatitis Health Center</span></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.drkoop.com/channel/93/12127.html</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.hepatitisneighborhood.com/content/financing_your_care/default.aspx"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Financing Your Care (from Hepatitis Neighborhood)</span></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.hepatitisneighborhood.com/content/financing_your_care/default.aspx</span><br /><a href="http://fairfoundation.org/NIH_funding_2003-2008.pdf"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Funding: Comparisons of Diseases</span></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>- See how yours fares<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://fairfoundation.org/NIH_funding_2003-2008.pdf</span><br />From the FAIR Foundation (10 pages)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.hepatitisactivist.org/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hepatitis Activist</span></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.hepatitisactivist.org/</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.hepatitisdoctor.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hepatitis Doctor - Bennet Cecil, MD</span></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.hepatitisdoctor.com/</span><br />Many links here.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.hepatitisneighborhood.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hepatitis Neighborhood</span></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.hepatitisneighborhood.com/</span><br />(FORUM here)<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/index.html">HIV and Hepatitis</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/index.html<br /></span><span>This site is sponsored by pharmaceutical companies.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><br /><a href="http://www.homeaccess.com/02/02/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Home Test Kit </span></a> ($60.00)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.homeaccess.com/02/02/</span><br /><br /><a href="http://web.archive.org/web/20030803041330/http://www.diac.com/%7Eekwall2/hepchat/links.shtml"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pam Langford's Hep C Links Page</span></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> http://web.archive.org/web/20030803041330/http://www.diac.com/~ekwall2/hepchat/links.shtml</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.hepcsurvivalguide.org/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Combo Survival Guide from A to Z</span></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.hepcsurvivalguide.org/</span><br />A guidebook written by Hep C patients for Hep C patients undergoing Interferon/Ribavirin therapy. Last edited: 2002.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.webmd.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">WebMD</span></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.webmd.com/</span><br />Type "hepatitis c" into the search box at the top of the page.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348762089467966652.post-43722393895441398252007-01-07T22:16:00.000-07:002007-04-24T09:13:25.787-06:00B L O G S - ANNOTATEDHere is a list of all the Hepatitis C related blogs I could find. Those that are no longer showing new entries are marked as such with the title text in grey.<br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.therays.ca/ted/"><br /></a><a href="http://www.therays.ca/ted/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">A Fragment of Eternity</span></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">http://www.therays.ca/ted/</span><br />Entries from May 2006 to present. An "HIV/HCV co-infected poet" undergoing PEG-Interferon treatment.<br /><br /><a href="http://uncertain4sure.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">An Uncertain Journey through HCV </span></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-style: italic;">http://uncertain4sure.blogspot.com/</span><br />Entries from July 2006 through present<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" href="http://www.hepatitis-c.de/charlene2.htm">Charlene's Hepatitis C Journal</a><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 153, 51);"><br />http://www.hepatitis-c.de/charlene2.htm</span><br />Entries from November 1998 to November 1999<br /><br /><a href="http://chronichepc.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chronic Hepatitis C - DebbieJo</span></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-style: italic;">http://chronichepc.blogspot.com/ </span><br />Entries from January 2005 to present<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.thefirstchakra.blogspot.com/">From the First Chakra</a><br />Arizona USA (awaiting liver transplant)<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-style: italic;">http://www.thefirstchakra.blogspot.com/</span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.buzztrexler.com/blog/btblog.htm">Gathering Wool: Tales of a Black Sheep Living in Post-Christian America</a><br />Buzz Trexler, Tenessee USA<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-style: italic;">http://www.buzztrexler.com/blog/btblog.htm<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://wychhaz.blogspot.com/">Heppie Trekkie Journal - Haz</a></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-style: italic;">http://wychhaz.blogspot.com/</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />Entries from February 2006 to present</span><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-style: italic;"><br /></span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://liverlog.blogspot.com/"><br /></a><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://hepcjournal.blogspot.com/">Hep C Journal</a><br />ELIZABETH ANNE BC Canada<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-style: italic;">http://hepcjournal.blogspot.com/</span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://nickshepcblog.blogspot.com/">Hep C Journal</a><br />Nick Green, Derby UK<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-style: italic;">http://nickshepcblog.blogspot.com/</span><br /><a href="http://www.hepcandme.org/"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">HepCandMe</span></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">http://www.hepcandme.org/</span><br />Male, in his 40's. Finished treatment Feb. 2007<br />Entries November 2005 to present<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.hepcboy.com/">HEPCBOY UK</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-style: italic;">http://www.hepcboy.com/</span><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" href="http://kickme.to/hepc/"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">Helen's Hepatitis C Website</span></a> (Australian)<br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">http://kickme.to/hepc/</span><br />Entries 2000 to 2003<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" href="http://misspoppy.blogspot.com/">HCV Positive - Miss Poppy</a><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">(UK )</span></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-style: italic;"><br />http://misspoppy.blogspot.com/ </span><br />Entries from June 2005 to October 2006. Treatment withdrawn.<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www2.blogger.com/www.neosuetoronto.blogspot.com">HCV Treatment Journal </a><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-style: italic;">http://suetoronto.blogspot.com/ </span>Sue, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada.<br />Entries from March 2005 to March 2006. She has a new blog (not Hep C specific) at <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.neosuetoronto.blogspot.com/">Sue, Toronto</a>. <span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">http://www.neosuetoronto.blogspot.com/</span> Entries here run from March 2006 to October 2006.<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://myhepc.blogspot.com/">Hepatitis C - Filosofette</a> (NZ)<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-style: italic;">http://myhepc.blogspot.com/</span><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://hcop.org/blog/"><br />Hepatitis C Outreach Project Blog</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-style: italic;">http://hcop.org/blog/</span><br />Entries from September 2006 to January 2007<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://jasonpaultolmie.blogspot.com/">Here Are the Young Men, the Weight on Their Shoulders</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-style: italic;">http://jasonpaultolmie.blogspot.com/</span><br />Jason Paul Tolmie, London UK ((lots links))<br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" href="http://purpleswallow.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Liliana's World</span></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);">(UK)</span></span><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-style: italic;"><br />http://purpleswallow.blogspot.com/</span><br />Entries from September 2005 to October 2006. Treatment failed.<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://liverlog.blogspot.com/"> Liver Log</a><br />Chris, USA<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-style: italic;">http://liverlog.blogspot.com/</span><br /><br /><a href="http://jasonpaultolmie.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Marie's Blog </span></a> Colchester UK<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-style: italic;">http://rosinamarie.blogspot.com/</span><br />Entries December 2006 to January 2007<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://jasonpaultolmie.blogspot.com/">Martin's Hep C Site</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-style: italic;">http://www.theboltons.plus.com/</span><br />Martin Bolton, Suffolk UK<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.stevenotts.blogspot.com/">meandhepc - Steve Notts</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-style: italic;">http://www.stevenotts.blogspot.com/</span><br />Nottingham, East Mids, GB<br />Entries from June 2006 to present<br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://itsmyaddress.blogspot.com/"><br /></a><a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" href="http://beyondcrisis.typepad.com/growth_through_challenge/">Warrior*Pirate*Monk - Micheleara</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);"><span style="font-style: italic;">http://beyondcrisis.typepad.com/growth_through_challenge/</span><br /></span>Oregon USA<br />Spends "much of day exploring alternative forms of healing"<br />Entries October and November 2006<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://itsmyaddress.blogspot.com/">Minerva's Blog</a> Scotland<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-style: italic;">http://itsmyaddress.blogspot.com/</span><br /><br /><a href="http://teastarwitch.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">My Hep C Diary - teastarwitch</span></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">http://teastarwitch.blogspot.com/</span><br />Entries from July 2006 through present<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.ronmetcalfe.com/blog/">My 'Hepatitis C' Weblog - Ron Metcalfe</a> (UK)<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-style: italic;">http://www.ronmetcalfe.com/blog/</span><br />Entries from November 2004 to present. Male, in his 50's. Wife is a complementary therapist.<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://journals.aol.co.uk/parkness/MissionNepal">Mission Nepal</a><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Parkness </span><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-style: italic;"><br />http://journals.aol.co.uk/parkness/MissionNepal</span><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.leatheradventurer.blogspot.com/"><br />Samples of a Brighton Thirty Something</a><br />Brighton UK<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-style: italic;">http://www.leatheradventurer.blogspot.com/</span><br /><a href="http://www.creativeintensity.com/smking/"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sandi's Crusade Against Hepatitis C</span></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">http://www.creativeintensity.com/smking/</span><br />This is much more than a blog - she is also listed as a resource here on Hepatitis C Library. She runs the Yahoo group <a style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51);" href="http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/CANHepC/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"CanHepC"</span></a>. <span style="font-style: italic;">http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/CANHepC/</span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://48weekflu.blogspot.com/">Show Me the Movie that Doesn't Deal in Black and White</a><br />Chris Vacano, Oregon USA<br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">http://48weekflu.blogspot.com/<br /></span><br /><a href="http://www.seadragonladyslair.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Dragon's Lair - seadragonlady</span></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-style: italic;">http://www.seadragonladyslair.blogspot.com/</span><br />Norfolk, UK. Treatment stopped in 2003.<br />Entries from June 2005 to present<br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(204, 153, 51);"><br /></span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://regentlynx.blogspot.com/">The World Through My Lens</a><br />Allan - California USA (used chinese medicine - Zhang protocol)<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-style: italic;">http://regentlynx.blogspot.com/</span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://jasondeanh.blogspot.com/">Welcome To My "HEP C" Llife</a><br />Jason Holmquist, Minn USA<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-style: italic;">http://jasondeanh.blogspot.com/</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348762089467966652.post-53819043076629488132007-01-01T12:00:00.000-07:002007-03-26T10:50:11.100-06:00FAQ: from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control)<p><strong><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;font-size:78%;" >Frequently Asked Questions About Hepatitis C (from the CDC)<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: normal;">http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/faq.htm</span></span></span></strong></p>INDEX OF QUESTIONS ANSWERED (answers at end of this index):<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">1. Diagnosis and testing</span><br />* What is hepatitis C?<br />* Is there a vaccine for the prevention of HCV infection?<br />* What blood tests are available to check for hepatitis C?<br />* Can you have a "false positive" anti-HCV test result?<br />* Can you have a "false negative" anti-HCV test result?<br />* How long after exposure to HCV does it take to test positive for<br />anti-HCV ?<br />* How long after exposure to HCV does it take to test positive with PCR?<br />* Who should get tested for hepatitis C?<br />* What is the next step if you have a confirmed positive anti-HCV test?<br />* Can you have a normal liver enzyme (e.g., ALT) level and still have chronic hepatitis C?<br />* Can I donate blood if I have had any type of viral hepatitis?<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">2. How is HCV spread from one person to another?</span><br />* How could a person have gotten hepatitis C?<br />* How long can HCV live outside the body and transmit infection?<br />* What do you use to remove HCV from environmental surfaces?<br />* Is there any evidence that HCV has been spread during medical or dental procedures done in the United States?<br />* Can HCV be spread by sexual activity?<br />* Can HCV be spread by oral sex?<br />* Can HCV be spread within a household?<br />* Can you get hepatitis C from getting a tattoo?<br />* Since more advanced tests have been developed for use in blood banks, what is the chance now that a person can get HCV infection from transfused blood or blood products?<br />* Is it possible that HCV could be transmitted through the bite of a mosquito or other blood sucking arthropods, especially in third world countries?<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">3. Pregnancy and Breast feeding</span><br />* Should pregnant women be routinely tested for anti-HCV?<br />* What is the risk that HCV infected women will spread HCV to their newborn infants?<br />* Is there a greater risk of perinatal HCV transmission if the mother is coinfected with HIV?<br />* Should a woman with hepatitis C be advised against breast-feeding?<br />* When should babies born to mothers with hepatitis C be tested to see if they were infected at birth?<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">4. Counseling</span><br />* How can persons infected with HCV prevent spreading HCV to others?<br />* How can a person protect themselves from getting hepatitis C and other diseases spread by contact with human blood?<br />* Should patients with hepatitis C change their sexual practices if they have only one long-term steady sex partner?<br />* What can persons with HCV infection do to protect their liver?<br />* Is there a special diet I should follow if I have hepatitis C?<br />* What other information should patients with hepatitis C be aware of?<br />* Should persons with chronic hepatitis C be vaccinated against hepatitis B?<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">5. Long-term Consequences of HCV Infection</span><br />* What are the chances of persons with HCV infection developing long term infection, chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer, or dying as a result of hepatitis C?<br />* Do medical conditions outside the liver occur in persons with chronic hepatitis C?<br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">6. Management and Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C</span><br />* When might a specialist (gastroenterologist, infectious disease physician, or hepatologist) be consulted in the management of HCV-infected persons?<br />* What is the treatment for chronic hepatitis C?<br />* What are the side effects of interferon therapy?<br />* What are the side effects of combination (ribavirin + interferon) treatment?<br />* Can anything be done to reduce symptoms or side effects due to antiviral treatment?<br />* Can children receive interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis C?<br />* Where can I get more information on treating hepatitis C with alternative medicines (e.g. milk thistle and ginseng)?<br />* Treatment is very expensive, how can I find out more information about treatment options?<br />* What sort of things do we know that are good for the liver, if you are HCV positive, besides not drinking alcohol or using needles to keep the liver healthy?<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">7. Genotype</span><br />* What does the term genotype mean?<br />* Is it necessary to do genotyping when managing a person with chronic hepatitis C?<br />* Why do most persons remain infected?<br />* Can persons become infected with different genotypes?<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">8. Hepatitis C and Healthcare Workers</span><br />* What is the risk for HCV infection from a needle-stick exposure to HCV contaminated blood?<br />* What are the recommendations for follow-up of healthcare workers after exposure to HCV positive blood?<br />* Should HCV-infected healthcare workers be restricted in their work?<br /><br />ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS:<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span> <table class="MsoNormalTable" style="width: 100%;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr style="height: 12.5pt;"> <td style="padding: 0in; background: rgb(204, 204, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 12.5pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;">1. Diagnosis and testing</span></strong></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >What is hepatitis C?</span></cite></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br />Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is found in the blood of persons who have this disease. HCV is spread by contact with the blood of an infected person. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><a name="2"></a><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >Is there a vaccine for the prevention of HCV infection?</span></cite></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br />No. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >What blood tests are available to check for hepatitis C?</span></cite></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br />There are several blood tests that can be done to determine if you have been infected with HCV. Your doctor may order just one or a combination of these tests. The following are the types of tests your doctor may order and the purpose for each:</span></p><p> </p><p style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="">1)<span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span><b style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" >Anti-HCV (antibody to HCV)<o:p></o:p></span></b></span><!--[endif]--></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="">a)<span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" >EIA (enzyme immunoassay) or CIA (enhanced chemiluminescence immunoassay)<br />Test is usually done first. If positive, it should be confirmed<o:p></o:p></span></span><!--[endif]--></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="">b)<span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" >RIBA (recombinant immunoblot assay)<br />A supplemental test used to confirm a positive EIA test<o:p></o:p></span></span><!--[endif]--></p> <p><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" >Anti-HCV does not tell whether the infection is new (acute), chronic (long-term) or is no longer present.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="">2)<span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span><b><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" >Qualitative tests to detect presence or absence of virus (HCV RNA)</span></b><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" ><o:p></o:p></span></span><!--[endif]--></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" ><span style="">3)<span style=";font-family:";" > </span></span></span><b><span style=";font-family:Verdana;" >Quantitative tests to detect amount (titer) of virus (HCV RNA)</span></b></span><!--[endif]--><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >A single positive PCR test indicates infection with HCV. A single negative test does not prove that a person is not infected. Virus may be present in the blood and just not found by PCR. Also, a person infected in the past who has recovered may have a negative test. When hepatitis C is suspected and PCR is negative, PCR should be repeated. </span> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >Can you have a "false positive" anti-HCV test result?</span></em></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;color:black;" >Yes. A false positive test means the test looks as if it is positive, but it is really negative. This happens more often in persons who have a low risk for the disease for which they are being tested. For example, false positive anti-HCV tests happen more often in persons such as blood donors who are at low risk for hepatitis C. Therefore, it is important to confirm a positive anti-HCV test with a supplemental test as most false positive anti-HCV tests are reported as negative on supplemental testing. <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr5203.pdf">Click here</a> for more information on Guidelines for Laboratory Testing and Result Reporting of Antibody to Hepatitis C Virus.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >Can you have a "false negative" anti-HCV test result?</span></cite></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br />Yes. Persons with early infection may not as yet have developed antibody levels high enough that the test can measure. In addition, some persons may lack the (immune) response necessary for the test to work well. In these persons, research-based tests such as PCR may be considered. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >How long after exposure to HCV does it take to test positive for anti-HCV?</span></cite></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br />Anti-HCV can be found in 7 out of 10 persons when symptoms begin and in about 9 out of 10 persons within 3 months after symptoms begin. However, it is important to note that many persons who have hepatitis C have no symptoms. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >How long after exposure to HCV does it take to test positive with PCR?</span></cite></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br />It is possible to find HCV within 1 to 2 weeks after being infected with the virus. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >Who should get tested for hepatitis C?</span></cite></span> </p> <ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >persons who ever injected illegal drugs, including those who injected once or a few times many years ago</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >persons who were treated for clotting problems with a blood product made before 1987 when more advanced methods for manufacturing the products were developed</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >persons who were notified that they received blood from a donor who later tested positive for hepatitis C</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >persons who received a blood transfusion or solid organ transplant before July 1992 when better testing of blood donors became available</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >long-term hemodialysis patients</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >persons who have signs or symptoms of liver disease (e.g., abnormal liver enzyme tests)</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >healthcare workers after exposures (e.g., needle sticks or splashes to the eye ) to HCV-positive blood on the job</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >children born to HCV-positive women </span></li></ul> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >What is the next step if you have a confirmed positive anti-HCV test?</span></cite><i><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" ><br /></span></i></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Measure the level of ALT ( alanine aminotransferase, a liver enzyme) in the blood. An elevated ALT indicates inflammation of the liver and you should be checked further for chronic (long-term) liver disease and possible treatment. The evaluation should be done by a healthcare professional familiar with chronic hepatitis C. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >Can you have a normal liver enzyme (e.g., ALT) level and still have chronic hepatitis C?</span></cite><i><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" ><br /></span></i></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Yes. It is common for persons with chronic hepatitis C to have a liver enzyme level that goes up and down, with periodic returns to normal or near normal. Some persons have a liver enzyme level that is normal for over a year but they still have chronic liver disease. If the liver enzyme level is normal, persons should have their enzyme level re-checked several times over a 6 to 12 month period. If the liver enzyme level remains normal, your doctor may check it less frequently, such as once a year. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><a name="donate"></a><em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >Can I donate blood if I have had any type of viral hepatitis?</span></em></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br />If you had any type of viral hepatitis since aged 11 years, you are not eligible to donate blood. In addition, if you ever tested positive for hepatitis B or hepatitis C, at any age, you are not eligible to donate, even if you were never sick or jaundiced from the infection.</span></p> <table class="MsoNormalTable" style="width: 100%;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr style="height: 12.5pt;"> <td style="padding: 0in; background: rgb(204, 204, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 12.5pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;">2. How is HCV spread from one person to another?</span></strong></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >How could a person have gotten hepatitis C?</span></cite><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /></span></i></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >HCV is spread primarily by direct contact with human blood. For example, you may have gotten infected with HCV if:</span> </p> <ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >you ever injected street drugs, as the needles and/or other drug "works" used to prepare or inject the drug(s) may have had someone else's blood that contained HCV on them.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >you received blood, blood products, or solid organs from a donor whose blood contained HCV.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >you were ever on long-term kidney dialysis as you may have unknowingly shared supplies/equipment that had someone else's blood on them.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >you were ever a healthcare worker and had frequent contact with blood on the job, especially accidental needlesticks.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >your mother had hepatitis C at the time she gave birth to you. During the birth her blood may have gotten into your body.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >you ever had sex with a person infected with HCV.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >you lived with someone who was infected with HCV and shared items such as razors or toothbrushes that might have had his/her blood on them. </span></li></ul> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><a name="1b1"></a><em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >How long can HCV live outside the body and transmit infection?</span></em></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><br />Recent studies suggest that HCV may survive on environmental surfaces at room temperature at least 16 hours, but no longer than 4 days.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><a name="2a1b"></a><em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >What do you use to remove HCV from environmental surfaces?</span></em></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><br />You should clean up any blood spills - including dried blood, which can still be infectious - using 1:10 dilution of one part household bleach to 10 parts of water for disinfecting the area. Use gloves when cleaning up any blood spills.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >Is there any evidence that HCV has been spread during medical or dental procedures done in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region>?</span></em></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;color:black;" ><br />Medical and dental procedures done in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region> generally do not pose a risk for the spread of HCV. However, there have been a few situations in which HCV has been spread between patients when supplies or equipment were shared between them. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >Can HCV be spread by sexual activity?</span></cite><cite><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></cite></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br />Yes, but this does not occur very often. See section below on counseling for more information on hepatitis C and sexual activity. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >Can HCV be spread by oral sex?</span></cite><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /></span></i></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >There is no evidence that HCV has been spread by oral sex. See section on counseling for more information on hepatitis C and sexual activity. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >Can HCV be spread within a household?</span></cite><cite><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></cite></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br />Yes, but this does not occur very often. If HCV is spread within a household, it is most likely due to direct exposure to the blood of an infected household member.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><a name="5b1"></a><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >Can you get Hepatitis C from getting a tattoo?</span></cite></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br />Although biologically possible when poor infection control practices are used, there is no evidence that hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been spread through tattooing. <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/tattoo.htm">For more information...</a></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >Since more advanced tests have been developed for use in blood banks, what is the chance now that a person can get HCV infection from transfused blood or blood products?</span></cite><cite><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></cite></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br />Less than 1 chance per 2 million units transfused.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a name="s8"></a><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >Is it possible that HCV could be transmitted through the bite of a mosquito or other blood sucking arthropods, especially in third world countries? </span></cite></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br />Hepatitis C virus has not been shown to be transmitted by mosquitoes or other arthropods. </span></p> <table class="MsoNormalTable" style="width: 100%;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr style="height: 12.5pt;"> <td style="padding: 0in; background: rgb(204, 204, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 12.5pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;">3. Pregnancy and Breast feeding</span></strong></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" > </span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >Should pregnant women be routinely tested for anti-HCV?</span></cite><cite><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></cite></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >No. Pregnant women have no greater risk of being infected with HCV then non-pregnant women. If pregnant women have risk factors for hepatitis C, they should be tested for anti-HCV. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >What is the risk that HCV infected women will spread HCV to their newborn infants?</span></cite><cite><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></cite></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br />About 4 out of every 100 infants born to HCV infected women become infected. This occurs at the time of birth, and there is no treatment that can prevent this from happening. Most infants infected with HCV at the time of birth have no symptoms and do well during childhood. More studies are needed to find out if these children will have problems from the infection as they grow older. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >Is there a greater risk of perinatal HCV transmission if the mother is coinfected with HIV?</span></cite></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br />Yes, if the mother is coinfected with HIV, the rate of perinatal transmission can be as high as 19%.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >Should a woman with hepatitis C be advised against breast-feeding?</span></cite><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /></span></i></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >No. There is no evidence that breast-feeding spreads HCV. HCV-positive mothers should consider abstaining from breast-feeding if their nipples are cracked or bleeding. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >When should babies born to mothers with hepatitis C be tested to see if they were infected at birth?</span></cite><cite><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></cite></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br />Children should not be tested for anti-HCV before 18 months of age as anti-HCV from the mother might last until this age. If diagnosis is desired prior to 18 months of age, testing for HCV RNA could be performed at or after an infant's first well-child visit at age 1-2 months. HCV RNA testing should then be repeated at a subsequent visit independent of the initial HCV RNA test result.</span></p> <table class="MsoNormalTable" style="width: 100%;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr style="height: 12.5pt;"> <td style="padding: 0in; background: rgb(204, 204, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 12.5pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;">4. Counseling</span></strong></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >How can persons infected with HCV prevent spreading HCV to others?</span></cite><cite><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></cite></span></p> <ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Do not donate blood, body organs, other tissue, or semen.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Do not share personal items that might have your blood on them, such as toothbrushes, dental appliances, nail-grooming equipment or razors.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Cover your cuts and skin sores to keep from spreading HCV. </span></li></ul> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >How can a person protect themselves from getting hepatitis C and other diseases spread by contact with human blood?</span></cite></span> </p> <ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Don't ever shoot drugs. If you shoot drugs, stop and get into a treatment program. If you can't stop, never reuse or share syringes, water, or drug works, and get vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Do not share toothbrushes, razors, or other personal care articles. They might have blood on them.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >If you are a healthcare worker, always follow routine barrier precautions and safely handle needles and other sharps. Get vaccinated against hepatitis B</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Consider the health risks if you are thinking about getting a tattoo or body piercing: You can get infected if:</span> </li><ul type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >the tools that are used have someone else's blood on them.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >the artist or piercer doesn't follow good health practices, such as washing hands and using disposable gloves. </span></li></ul></ul> <p><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >HCV can be spread by sex, but this does not occur very often. If you are having sex, but not with one steady partner:</span> </p> <ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >You and your partners can get other diseases spread by having sex (e.g., AIDS, hepatitis B, gonorrhea or chlamydia).</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >You should use latex condoms correctly and every time. The efficacy of latex condoms in preventing infection with HCV is unknown, but their proper use may reduce transmission.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >You should get vaccinated against hepatitis B. </span></li></ul> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >Should patients with hepatitis C change their sexual practices if they have only one long-term steady sex partner?</span></cite><cite><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></cite></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >No. There is a very low chance of spreading HCV to that partner through sexual activity. If you want to lower the small chance of spreading HCV to your sex partner, you may decide to use barrier precautions such as latex condoms.<span style="color:black;"> The efficacy of </span><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/nchstp/od/condoms.pdf" target="_blank">latex condoms</a><span style="color:black;"> in preventing infection with HCV is unknown, but their proper use may reduce transmission.</span> Ask your doctor about having your sex partner tested. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >What can persons with HCV infection do to protect their liver?</span></cite><cite><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></cite></span></p> <ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Stop using alcohol.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >See your doctor regularly.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Don't start any new medicines or use over-the-counter, herbal, and other medicines without a physician's knowledge.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Get vaccinated against hepatitis A if liver damage is present. </span></li></ul> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><a name="4ad"></a><em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >Is there a special diet I should follow if I have hepatitis C? </span></em><br /></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs has published educational materials related to diet and Hepatitis C. The VA materials present general dietary guidelines; it may be helpful to review them with a healthcare professional.<br />They are located at: <a href="http://hepatitis.va.gov/vahep?page=tp03-03-05-90">http://hepatitis.va.gov/vahep?page=tp03-03-05-90</a>. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >What other information should patients with hepatitis C be aware of?</span></cite><cite><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></cite></span></p> <ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >HCV is not spread by sneezing, hugging, coughing, food or water, sharing eating utensils or drinking glasses, or casual contact.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Persons should not be excluded from work, school, play, child-care or other settings on the basis of their HCV infection status.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Involvement with a support group may help patients cope with hepatitis C. </span></li></ul> <p style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >Should persons with chronic hepatitis C be vaccinated against hepatitis B?</span></cite><cite><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></cite></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br />If persons are in risk groups for whom hepatitis B vaccine is recommended, they should be vaccinated. (<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00033405.htm">A Comprehensive Strategy for Eliminating Transmission in the United States Through Universal Childhood Vaccination</a>)</span></p> <table class="MsoNormalTable" style="width: 100%;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr style="height: 12.5pt;"> <td style="padding: 0in; background: rgb(204, 204, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 12.5pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;">5. Long-term Consequences of HCV Infection</span></strong></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >What are the chances of persons with HCV infection developing long term infection, chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer, or dying as a result of hepatitis C?</span></cite><cite><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></cite></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br />Of every 100 persons infected with HCV about:</span> </p> <ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >55-85 of persons might develop long-term infection</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >70 persons might develop chronic liver disease</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >5-20 persons might develop cirrhosis over a period of 20 to 30 years</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >1-5 of persons might die from the consequences of long term infection (liver cancer or cirrhosis)</span></li></ul> <p><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Hepatitis C is a leading indication for liver transplants.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >Do medical conditions outside the liver occur in persons with chronic hepatitis C?</span></cite><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /></span></i></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >A small percentage of persons with chronic hepatitis C develop medical conditions outside the liver (this is called extrahepatic). These conditions are thought to occur due to the body's natural immune system fighting against itself. Such conditions include: glomerulonephritis, essential mixed cryoglobulinemia, and porphyria cutanea tarda.</span> </p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <table class="MsoNormalTable" style="width: 100%;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr style="height: 12.5pt;"> <td style="padding: 0in; background: rgb(204, 204, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 12.5pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;">6. Management and Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C</span></strong></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >When might a specialist (gastroenterologist, infectious disease physician, or hepatologist) be consulted in the management of HCV-infected persons?</span></cite><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /></span></i></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >A referral to or consultation with a specialist for further evaluation and possible treatment may be considered if a person is anti-HCV positive and has elevated liver enzyme levels. Any physician who manages a person with hepatitis C should be knowledgeable and current on all aspects of the care of a person with hepatitis C. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >What is the treatment for chronic hepatitis C?</span></em></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;color:black;" >Combination therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin is the treatment of choice resulting in sustained response rates of 40%-80%. (up to 50% for patients infected with the most common genotype found in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region> [genotype 1] and up to 80% for patients infected with genotypes 2 or 3). Interferon monotherapy is generally reserved for patients in whom ribavirin is contraindicated. Ribavirin, when used alone, does not work. Combination therapy using interferon and ribavirin is now FDA approved for the use in children aged 3-17 years. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >What are the side effects of interferon therapy?</span></cite><i><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" ><br /></span></i></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Most persons have flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint aches, fast heart rate) early in treatment, but these lessen with continued treatment. Later side effects may include tiredness, hair loss, low blood count, trouble with thinking, moodiness, and depression. Severe side effects are rare (seen in less than 2 out of 100 persons). These include thyroid disease, depression with suicidal thoughts, seizures, acute heart or kidney failure, eye and lung problems, hearing loss, and blood infection. Although rare, deaths have occurred due to liver failure or blood infection, mostly in persons with cirrhosis. An important side effect of interferon is worsening of liver disease with treatment, which can be severe and even fatal. Interferon dosage must be reduced in up to 40 out of 100 persons because of severity of side effects, and treatment must be stopped in up to 15 out of 100 persons. Pregnant women should not be treated with interferon. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >What are the side effects of combination (ribavirin + interferon) treatment?</span></cite><cite><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></cite></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br />In addition to the side effects due to interferon described above, ribavirin can cause serious anemia (low red blood cell count) and can be a serious problem for persons with conditions that cause anemia, such as kidney failure. In these persons, combination therapy should be avoided or attempts should be made to correct the anemia. Anemia caused by ribavirin can be life-threatening for persons with certain types of heart or blood vessel disease. Ribavirin causes birth defects and pregnancy should be avoided during treatment. Patients and their healthcare providers should carefully review the product manufacturer information prior to treatment. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >Can anything be done to reduce symptoms or side effects due to antiviral treatment?</span></cite><cite><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></cite></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br />You should report what you are feeling to your doctor. Some side effects may be reduced by giving interferon at night or lowering the dosage of the drug. In addition, flu-like symptoms can be reduced by taking acetaminophen before treatment. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >Can children receive interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis C?</span></cite><i><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" ><br /></span></i></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of the combination anti-viral therapy for the treatment of hepatitis C in children 3 to 17 years old. For details please refer to page 11 of AASLD Practice Guideline: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of Hepatitis C.<br /><a href="https://www.aasld.org/eweb/docs/hepatitisc.pdf">AASLD Practice Guideline: Diagnosis, Management, and Treatment of Hepatitis C</a></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><a name="t7"></a><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >Where can I get more information on treating Hepatitis C with alternative medicines (e.g. milk thistle and ginseng)? </span></cite><i><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" ><br /></span></i></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >You can find a discussion about alternative medicines at <a href="http://nccam.nih.gov/health/hepatitisc/%20" target="_blank">Hepatitis C and Complementary and Alternative Medicine: 2003 Update</a>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><a name="t8"></a><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >Treatment is very expensive, how can I find out more information about treatment options? </span></cite></span></p> <ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Support organizations are good places to get information about medicalcare. Links to these organizations can be found <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/resource/links.htm">here</a>.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >CDC funds hepatitis C coordinators within the states to implement programs regarding hepatitis C prevention. <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/resource/coordinators.htm">Links and phone numbers to coordinators in your state</a>.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >To contact Social Security for an assessment of eligibility for financial assistance programs, see <a href="http://www.ssa.gov/" target="_blank">www.ssa.gov</a>. You might also want to contact Medicaid (see <a href="http://cms.hhs.gov/medicaid/default.asp" target="_blank">http://cms.hhs.gov/medicaid/default.asp</a>) for an eligibility assessment. </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >To research the possibility of free treatment through participation in clinical trials (research studies), see <a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/" target="_blank">www.clinicaltrials.gov</a>. </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Roche has a Hep C Action Newsletter including details about hepatitis C treatments and services see <a href="http://www.hepcfight.com/" target="_blank">http://www.hepcfight.com/</a></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >The Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) maintains a database of clinics/hospitals that serve those without medical resources. We do not know how these clinics charge for medical care, but these clinics could be an option for those who do not have a primary doctor and do not want to go to a walk-in clinic. The website is: <<a href="http://ask.hrsa.gov/pc/" target="_blank">http://ask.hrsa.gov/pc/</a>> </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >The National Institutes of Health chronic hepatitis C web site has extensive information about chronic hepatitis C treatment and research. The website is available at: <a href="http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hepc_ez/" target="_blank">http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hepc_ez</a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hepc_ez/">/</a>.</span></li></ul> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><a name="t9"></a><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >How can you protect your liver if you have hepatitis C?</span></cite><br /></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Following a healthy lifestyle that includes moderate exercise, a healthy diet, limiting alcohol consumption ( no alcohol is the most prudent approach), and getting plenty of rest are good ways for people living with hepatitis C, or anyone else, to maintain their strength, energy, and overall well-being.</span></p> <p><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs has published educational materials related to diet and Hepatitis C. The VA materials present general dietary guidelines; it may be helpful to review them with a healthcare professional. They are located at: <a href="http://hepatitis.va.gov/vahep?page=tp03-03-05-90" target="_blank">http://hepatitis.va.gov/vahep?page=tp03-03-05-90.</a></span></p><ul><li><a href="http://hepatitis.va.gov/vahep?page=tp03-03-05-90" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">For More Information on the Treatment of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C view the </span></b></span><!--[endif]--> <span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><a href="https://www.aasld.org/eweb/docs/hepatitisc.pdf" target="_blank">AASLD Practice Guideline: Diagnosis, Management, and Treatment of Hepatitis C</a></span></a> </li></ul> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <div align="center"><br /></div> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <table class="MsoNormalTable" style="width: 100%;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr style="height: 12.5pt;"> <td style="padding: 0in; background: rgb(204, 204, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 12.5pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">7. Genotype</span></b></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >What does the term genotype mean?</span></cite><i><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" ><br /></span></i></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Genotype refers to the genetic make-up of an organism or a virus. There are at least 6 distinct HCV genotypes identified. Genotype 1 is the most common genotype seen in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">United States</st1:place></st1:country-region>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >Is it necessary to do genotyping when managing a person with chronic hepatitis C?</span></cite><cite><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></cite></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br />Yes, as there are 6 known genotypes and more than 50 subtypes of HCV, and genotype information is helpful in defining the epidemiology of hepatitis C. Knowing the genotype or serotype (genotype-specific antibodies) of HCV is helpful in making recommendations and counseling regarding therapy. Patients with genotypes 2 and 3 are almost three times more likely than patients with genotype 1 to respond to therapy with alpha interferon or the combination of alpha interferon and ribavirin. Furthermore, when using combination therapy, the recommended duration of treatment depends on the genotype. For patients with genotypes 2 and 3, a 24-week course of combination treatment is adequate, whereas for patients with genotype 1, a 48-week course is recommended. For these reasons, testing for HCV genotype is often clinically helpful. Once the genotype is identified, it need not be tested again; genotypes do not change during the course of infection. </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >Why do most persons remain infected?</span></cite><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /></span></i></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Persons infected with HCV mount an antibody response to parts of the virus, but changes in the virus during infection result in changes that are not recognized by preexisting antibodies. This appears to be how the virus establishes and maintains long-lasting infection. </span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 12pt;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >Can persons become infected with different genotypes?</span></cite><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /></span></i></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Yes. Because of the ineffective immune response described above, prior infection does not protect against reinfection with the same or different genotypes of the virus. For the same reason, there is no effective pre- or postexposure prophylaxis (i.e, immune globulin) available.</span></p> <table class="MsoNormalTable" style="width: 100%;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr style="height: 12.5pt;"> <td style="padding: 0in; background: rgb(204, 204, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; height: 12.5pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;">8. Hepatitis C and Healthcare Workers</span></strong></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >What is the risk for HCV infection from a needle-stick exposure to HCV contaminated blood?</span></cite><cite><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></cite></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br />After needle stick or sharps exposure to HCV positive blood , about 2 (1.8%) healthcare workers out of 100 will get infected with HCV (range 0%-10%). </span></p> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >What are the recommendations for follow-up of healthcare workers after exposure to HCV positive blood?</span></cite><cite><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> </span></cite></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><br />Anti-viral agents (e.g., interferon) or immune globulin should not be used for postexposure prophylaxis.</span> </p> <ol start="1" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >For the source, baseline testing for anti-HCV.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >For the person exposed to an HCV-positive source, baseline and follow-up testing including<br /> Â baseline testing for anti-HCV and ALT activity; and<br /> Â follow-up testing for anti-HCV (e.g., at 4-6 months) and ALT activity. (If earlier diagnosis of HCV infection is desired, testing for HCV RNA may be performed at 4-6 weeks.)</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >Confirmation by supplemental anti-HCV testing of all anti-HCV results reported as positive by enzyme immunoassay. </span></li></ol> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><cite><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;" >Should HCV-infected healthcare workers be restricted in their work?</span></cite><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><br /></span></i></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" >No, there are no recommendations to restrict a healthcare worker who is infected with HCV. The risk of transmission from an infected healthcare worker to a patient appears to be very low. As recommended for all healthcare workers, those who are HCV positive should follow strict aseptic technique and standard precautions, including appropriate use of hand washing, protective barriers, and care in the use and disposal of needles and other sharp instruments.</span></p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"> <hr style="height: 3px;" align="center" size="3" width="100%"> </div> <table class="MsoNormalTable" style="width: 100%;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr style=""> <td style="padding: 0.5pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:100%;" ><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/faq.htm#acrobat"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1029" type="#_x0000_t75" alt=" " href="http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/faq.htm#acrobat" style="'width:16pt;height:16.5pt'" button="t"> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\Bren\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image005.gif" href="http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/images/icon_acro.gif"> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><span style=""><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Bren/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image005.gif" alt=" " shapes="_x0000_i1029" border="0" height="22" width="21" /></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></span></p> </td> <td style="padding: 0.5pt;"> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Source: </span><a href="ftp://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/Publications/mmwr/rr/rr4719.pdf"><span style="font-size:100%;">MMWR Recommendations: Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection and HCV-Related Chronic Disease</span></a></span><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;" > </span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348762089467966652.post-75004459434414687572006-12-09T19:25:00.000-07:002007-04-21T19:55:14.425-06:00A R T I C L E S<a href="http://www.epidemic.org/theFacts/hepatitisC/diseaseProgression.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Disease Progression</span> </a><br />http://www.epidemic.org/theFacts/hepatitisC/diseaseProgression.html<br />From Epidemic.org, the C. Everett Koop Hepatitis C website.<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?itool=abstractplus&db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=abstractplus&list_uids=9121257">Natural History Progression of Liver Fibrosis Progression</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(from </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.pubmed.gov">PubMed</a><span style="font-style: italic;">, 1997)</span><br />Natural history of liver fibrosis progression in patients with chronic hepatitis C. The OBSVIRC, METAVIR, CLINIVIR, and DOSVIRC groups.<br /> * Poynard T,<br /> * Bedossa P,<br /> * Opolon P.<br />Service d'Hepato Gastroenterologie, URA CNRS 1484, Groupe Hospitalier Pitie Salpetriere, Paris, France.<br /><br />BACKGROUND: Our aim was to assess the natural history of liver fibrosis progression in hepatitis C and the factors associated with this progression. METHODS: We recruited 2235 patients from the Observatoire de l'Hepatite C (OBSVIRC) population, the Cohorte Hepatite C Pitie-Salpetriere (DOSVIRC) population, and the original METAVIR population. All the patients had a biopsy sample compatible with chronic hepatitis C as assessed by the METAVIR scoring system (grades the stage of fibrosis on a five-point scale, F0 = no fibrosis, F4 = cirrhosis, and histological activity on a four-point scale, A0 = no activity, A3 = severe activity).<br />No patient had received interferon treatment before the liver biopsy sample was obtained. We assessed the effect of nine factors on fibrosis progression: age at biopsy; estimated duration of infection; sex; age at infection; alcohol consumption; hepatitis C virus C (HCV) genotype; HCV viraemia; cause of infection; and histological activity grade. We defined fibrosis progression per year as the ratio between fibrosis stage in METAVIR units and the duration of infection (1 unit = one stage, 4 units = cirrhosis). FINDINGS: The median rate of fibrosis progression per year was 0.133 fibrosis unit (95% CI 0.125-0.143), which was similar to the estimates from previous studies (0.146 to 0.154).<br />Three independent factors were associated with an increased rate of fibrosis progression: age at infection older than 40 years, daily alcohol consumption of 50 g or more, and male sex. There was no association between fibrosis progression and HCV genotype.<br />The median estimated duration of infection for progression to cirrhosis was 30 years (28-32), ranging from 13 years in men infected after the age of 40 to 42 years in women who did not drink alcohol and were infected before the age of 40. Without treatment, 377 (33%) patients had an expected median time to cirrhosis of less than 20 years, and 356 (31%) will never progress to cirrhosis or will not progress for at least 50 years.<br />INTERPRETATION: The host factors of ageing, alcohol consumption, and male sex have a stronger association with fibrosis progression than virological factors in HCV infection.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">PMID: 9121257 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]</span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=17355454&query_hl=4&itool=pubmed_docsum">Progression to Cirrhosis</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(from</span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.pubmed.gob"> PubMed</a><span style="font-style: italic;">, 2007)</span><br />Progression to cirrhosis in hepatitis C patients: an age-dependent process.<br /> * Pradat P,<br /> * Voirin N,<br /> * Tillmann HL,<br /> * Chevallier M,<br /> * Trepo C.<br /><br /> Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Hotel-Dieu, Lyon, France.<br /><br />BACKGROUND: Age at infection is known to be associated with disease progression rate in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients. The aim of this study was to assess when cirrhosis is expected to occur according to host and viral factors. Methods: Fibrosis progression was studied in 247 naive HCV patients using multiple regression analysis. The expected age at cirrhosis was calculated for each patient.<br />Results: Progression rate was 0.13, 0.14, 0.27, and 0.36 U of fibrosis/year for patients with age at infection </=19, 20-24, 25-36 and >/=37 years, respectively. Age at infection above 37 years was independently associated with fast progression (rate>0.13; P=0.001). Body mass index >25 kg/m(2) and alanine aminotransferase>3 x ULN are also possibly associated with faster progression. Based on progression rates, the expected age at cirrhosis is 65.4, 64.6, 64.8 and 69.4 years for age at infection </=19, 20-24, 25-36, >/=37 years, respectively. Conclusion: Most HCV patients, if untreated, are expected to develop cirrhosis at about 65 years, irrespective of the age at infection. Thus, age itself seems even more important than age at infection for predicting the occurrence of liver cirrhosis. A specific active monitoring and therapeutic approach should be adopted in older patients to prevent progression to cirrhosis and its complications.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">PMID: 17355454 [PubMed - in process]</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348762089467966652.post-33002354416788029462006-10-07T19:59:00.000-06:002007-04-21T20:00:07.217-06:00GROUPS & FORUMS ONLINE<span style="font-weight: bold;">F O R U M S (and non-Yahoo groups):</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><a href="http://dailystrength.org/support/Gastrointestinal_System/Hepatitis_C/">Daily Strength</a> </span>Hepatitis C Support Community<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://dailystrength.org/support/Gastrointestinal_System/Hepatitis_C/<br /><br /></span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.ronmetcalfe.com/hepcforum/index.php">Hepatitis C Forum</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 0); font-style: italic;">http://www.ronmetcalfe.com/hepcforum/index.php</span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://hcop.org/smf/">Hepatitis C Outreach Project Forums</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 0); font-style: italic;">http://hcop.org/smf/ </span><br />Minimal participation, but lots of views of the discussions.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">G R O U P S: Y A H O O<br /><a href="http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/CANHepC/"><br />CANHepC - </a></span><a href="http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/CANHepC/"><span>Canada Hepatitis C Connections</span></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/CANHepC/</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span>175 Members<br /></span>"We are a Canadian based moderated online support group with members from all across Canada and around the globe. Contact List owner Smilin' Sandi :) from "Sandi's Crusade Against Hepatitis C" (Durham Region/Greater Toronto Area, Ontario) for an invitation to join this private list. Co-moderators Jeanie from Barrie, Ont. and Sandy from Saskatchewan."<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/hepatitis-awareness/"><br />hepatitis-awareness - </a></span><a href="http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/hepatitis-awareness/"><span>Hepatitis Awareness Information List</span></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/hepatitis-awareness/<br /></span><span>175 Members<br /></span>"Information Archive only. Hepatitis information (any form). Related Diseases. Treatment options. Veterans with Hepatitis. New released treatments for Hepatitis C, and or related conditions."<br /><span><br /><a href="http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/CANHepC/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hepatitis_C_Central</span></a><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/CANHepC/</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span>725 Members<br /></span>"This group is for sharing support for those with the Dx of Hepatitis C and other related dx's to the liver. This group was formed to provide support and info to people all over the world. There is no question too large or too small for an answer... we will do our best to try to find the solution for you. We are also here for those whose lives have been touched by Hep C, whether it is the patient, family members or loved ones caring for someone with Hep C. Once your life has been touched by such a disease...it is never ever the same again..life takes on a new look."<br /><span><br /><a href="http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/HepatitisC-Objectives/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">HepatitisC-Objectives</span></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/HepatitisC-Objectives/</span><br />162 Members</span><br />"...information on both advances in Canada and the USA. We are here to support those who have experience and knowledge in conventional medicine, those who have failed or suffered from the effects of pharmaceutical medicine or who have cleared the virus. We offer info for those who are looking for alternative choices either by choice or because of the undesirable effects today's current treatment for HCV has left one with. We support both alternative and conventional, and find ways to even combine the two. ...The general public has no idea what we are suffering. Our mission is also to educate our friends and families that though we may look normal, we suffer. It is our mission to sustain good health while we are infected with Hepatitis C. ...Every BODY heals differently. Its important to remember what works for one, may not work for another. For those who suffer, we SUPPORT. WE EDUCATE and WE CARE!!!!...."<br /><span><br /></span><span><a href="http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/hepatitis_c_support/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">hepatitis_c_support</span></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/hepatitis_c_support/</span><br />584 Members<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Note from The Librarian: Unfortunately, this group seems to be having a major spam problem and it does not appear that anyone is managing it (offensive posts and posters are not being removed).</span><br />"</span>This is a support group for people with Hepatitis C. If you or anyone you know has contracted hepc then this is the place for you. This group is opened to all no matter what method of treatment, be it alternative or traditional. All will be welcome here."<br /><span><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/HepCWebWarriors/">HepCWebWarriors</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/HepCWebWarriors/</span><br /></span><span>697 Members<br /><br /></span>"Group is open to (and discusses) BOTH tradtional and alternative treatments. NO ONE is "judged" for their CHOICE of treatment!<br /><br />This group is for ALL PEOPLE AFFECTED BY HEP C, who spend time researching the web for info on Hep C. We are "Web Warriors". We fight the "dragon" with a vengence. Knowledge is vital to surviving or defeating Hep C. Our goal is to seek out sites that provide exceptional information,services,resources about HEP C. Popular sites are great, but we go a bit further to uncover the "jewels" that may be buried under the massive amounts of information. When we discover sites that fit this criteria we alert the rest of the people in the group so the information can be shared. As moderator I will maintain a list of the sites that members share with the group, a copy of the "HepC Web Warriors" list will be emailed to all members once a month.<br /><br />WHAT KIND OF HEP C WEBSITES ARE WE LOOKING FOR?<br />All sites about Hep C are game. They may be personal, educational, alternative or tradtional. The key is that they are exceptional.<br /><br />SOME POINTS OF INTEREST for Hep C Web Warriors: personal Hep C stories, websites by people who have HEP C,traditional, alternative, complimentary, and adjunct therapy, photos, HEP C sites by doctors, support groups, hepatitis humor,Hep "movies", slide shows,Hep art,Hep Poetry, Hep surveys & petitions, hepatitis activist, hepatitis publications,E-zines, Inspirational sites,Hep C protocols, Hep C SUCCESS stories, Hep C celebrities, products for Hep C, Newsletters & E-lists, doctors who treat Hep C, chatrooms, webrings, Hep C & HIV, Hep C & Addiction, Hep C & children, and Hep C NEWS."<br /><br />"Hosted by author of FIGHT THE DRAGON E-books & "HealthyHepper's Database-Directory of Hepatitis Web Resources":<br /><a href="http://www.healthyhepper.com/db/dbentry.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);"> http://www.healthyhepper.com/db/dbentry.htm</span></a><br /><a href="http://www.healthyhepper.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);"> http://www.healthyhepper.com</span></a><br />Anna's LINKS page: <a href="http://www.healthyhepper.com/hepweb.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);">http://www.healthyhepper.com/hepweb.htm</span></a> (MAINTAINED,GROWING,CURRENT!)"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348762089467966652.post-57767112757430556792006-09-20T13:23:00.000-06:002007-04-21T20:35:11.689-06:00BIOPSY OF LIVER<a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.gastro.org/user-assets/Documents/08_Publications/perspectives_pdf/05AugSept.pdf">Biopsy</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 0);">http://www.gastro.org/user-assets/Documents/</span></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 153, 0);">08_Publications/perspectives_pdf/05AugSept.pdf</span><br />A pair of articles debating the need for a biopsy.<br />From the American Gastroenterological Association's "AGA Perspectives", Volume 1 Issue 4, August/September 2005 (This is a PDF file)<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 153, 0);"><br /><br /></span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://hepatitis-central.com/hcv/biopsy/toc.html">Hepatitis C Central </a><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 0);">http://hepatitis-central.com/hcv/biopsy/toc.html</span></span><br />Numerous articles on the issue of biopsy.<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://naatap.org/2007/HCV/020907_03.htm">Replacing Biopsy with Non-Invasive Tests</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 153, 0);">http://naatap.org/2007/HCV/020907_03.htm</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348762089467966652.post-30855180187292082412006-09-15T13:16:00.000-06:002007-04-20T13:19:06.671-06:00CLINICS & MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS<a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.uch.edu/hepatology/index.htm">University of Colorado Hospital - Health Sciences Center</a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.uch.edu/hepatology/index.htm</span><br />Hepatology/Liver Diseases<br />Gregory T. Everson, M.D., F.A.C.P.<br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.universityhealthclinic.com/hepatitis-treatement-seattle.html">University Health Clinic</a> Specialty Care and Research Center<br />Alternative treatment for Hepatitis C in Seattle (found through Bastyr University).<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 0); font-style: italic;">http://www.universityhealthclinic.com<br />/hepatitis-treatement-seattle.html </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">(Yes, the spelling error in "treat<span style="font-weight: bold;">e</span>ment" is necessary for the URL to work)</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348762089467966652.post-84957954410904615412006-09-10T13:39:00.000-06:002007-04-20T13:40:15.368-06:00NEW PATIENT - HELPFUL LINKS<a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/Newly%20Diagnosed.pdf">First Steps with HCV for the Newly Diagnosed</a><br />This is a 52-page pdf document from the HCV Advocate.<br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 153, 0);">http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 153, 0);">_pdf/Newly%20Diagnosed.pdf<br /></span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.hcvadvocate.org/library/glossary.asp">Glossary </a><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 0); font-style: italic;">http://www.hcvadvocate.org/library/glossary.asp</span><br />This is quite a good glossary from <a href="http://www.hcvadvocate.org/index.asp">HCV Advocate</a>.<br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/First_Steps.asp"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Worksheets</span></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(153, 153, 0);">http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/First_Steps.asp</span><br />On this page from the HCV Advocate you will find links to a number of helpful Word documents, listed below (and which I can't link directly to), that you can copy and use. (There is also a link on this page for ordering a hard copy of the "First Steps with HCV..." document<br />above.)<br /><ul><li>New Appointment Checklist</li><li>Follow-Up Appointment Checklist for HCV Patients</li><li>HCV Lab Tracker</li><li>HCV Laboratory & Diagnostic Tests</li><li>Medical Provider Information</li><li>Medication & Supplement History</li></ul><blockquote>Also on this same page are links to two more documents for you to read. These are PDFs:</blockquote><ul><li><a style="color: rgb(102, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/DISCLOSURE.pdf">Hepatitis C Disclosure</a> (2 pages) Addresses personal and workplace issues. http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/DISCLOSURE.pdf<br /></li><li><a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);" href="http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/Test_POS.pdf">Testing Positive - Now What?</a> (2 pages) http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/Test_POS.pdf</li></ul><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.hcvadvocate.org/library/glossary.asp"><br /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348762089467966652.post-9828475794695832392006-07-15T20:40:00.000-06:002007-04-21T21:29:34.977-06:00HERBS: MILK THISTLE<span style="font-weight: bold;">MILK THISTLE<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">TIP:</span> when searching for studies regarding "silybin phytosome", as opposed to silymarin, try using its other term "IdB 1016".<br /></span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.liversupport.com/studiesindex.htm"><br />Silybin Phytosome (Index of <span style="font-style: italic;"></span>clinical studies)</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">http://www.liversupport.com/studiesindex.htm</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Silybin Phytomsome is the active ingredient in "Maximum Milk Thistle"<br />Studies you can link to from this page include:<br /><ul><li>Effect of Silybin Phytosome on chronic active hepatitis (Ref20C15)<br /></li><li>Therapeutic effect of Silybin Phytosome... (Ref21C13)</li><li>Direct comparison of Silybin Phytosome to standardized milk thistle extract...(Ref8P22)</li><li>Useful dosages of Silybin Phytosome (Ref18C14)</li><li>Considerably greater bioavailability of silybin as a component of Silybin Phytosome (c10)</li><li>Increased oral bioavailability of Silybin Phytosome in humans (c3medline)</li><li>Effect of Silybin Phytosome on cirrhotic patients (Ref9c8)</li><li>Liver damage control properties of Silybin Phytosome (Ref12P19)</li><li>Free radical scavenging properties of Silybin Phytosome (Ref13P6)</li><li>Effect of silymarin on lipid peroxidation (Ref14P13)</li><li>Silybin Phytosome counteracts hepatotoxic effects (Ref15P16)</li><li>Antioxidant activity of Silybin Phytosome against alcohol (Ref16P23)</li><li>Tolerability and effectiveness of Silybin Phytosome (Ref19C6)</li><li>Liver protection potential of Silybin Phytosome (c6medline)</li><li>Comparative bioavailability of Silybin Phytosome vs. silybin (Ref7P12)</li><li>Liver protective activity...Silybin Phytosome more effective than its constituents alone (Ref11P1)</li></ul><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00055445;jsessionid=C4856B0F45E785C5E9C3D05F0AD1A287?order=10">Clinical Trials.gov - "IdB 1016 Treatment for Hepatitis C Disease"</a><br />ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00055445<br />University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, WA<br />Study began Nov. 2003 and was completed Apr. 2006Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348762089467966652.post-17642588473169523312006-06-03T20:00:00.000-06:002007-04-22T14:38:15.093-06:00BOOK LIST with DESCRIPTIONS<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 51, 51);">(To see the Table of Contents for the two online books, just scroll farther down the page to the heading "Books: Online and Free".</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 51);">)</span><br /><br />The books below are organized by year of publication, and then alphabetically by title within that year.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >2007</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Weeks-Journey-Pegylated-Interferon-Ribavirin/dp/1419620541/ref=sr_1_1/102-7195045-9924152?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177267220&sr=1-1">48 WEEKS...A JOURNEY: Treating for HCV with Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin</a></span><br />2007 by Deb Smith<br />This book describes "the treatment process, how to self-inject, how to deal with the various side effects..." and is stated as being an "excellent resource for physicians, social workers, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies.."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/100-About-Hepatitis-Questions-Answers/dp/0763740772/ref=sr_1_5/102-7195045-9924152?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177261054&sr=1-5"><span style="font-weight: bold;">100 Q & A ABOUT HEPATITIS C</span></a><br />2007 by Dr. Stephen Fabry. This is a Lahey Clinic Guide<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Palmers-Guide-Hepatitis-Disease/dp/1583331883/ref=sr_1_53/102-7195045-9924152?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177264751&sr=1-53"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">DR. MELISSA PALMER'S GUIDE TO HEPATITIS AND LIVER DISEASE</span></a><br />2004 by Melissa Palmer, M.D., nationally recognized hepatologist. Maintains the website liverdisease.com. She covers "drugs, diet and nutrition, alternative therapies, surgery and transplantation, the liver in pregnancy, and living with an imperfectly functioning liver....[her] work is truly encyclopedic." 480 pages, about $12.00<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Hepatitis-C-Black-Persons-Guide/dp/0971606722/ref=sr_1_52/102-7195045-9924152?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177264751&sr=1-52">HEPATITIS C: The Black Person's Guide</a><br />2004 by Samuel Daniels, M.D., Temimia Markovitz, RPA-C, Vernon Williams, M.D., FACP, FACG,. 196 pages.<br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Hepatitis-Through-Patients-Eyes-Healing/dp/1595940510/ref=sr_1_13/102-7195045-9924152?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177261054&sr=1-13"><br />HEPATITIS C THROUGH A PATIENT'S EYES: Hope for Healing</a><br />2006. by Suzy Smith. 100 pages<br />A guide "...through the confusing array of feelings, tests and medical treatment..."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hepatitis-Virus-Disease-Immunobiology-Applications/dp/0387713751/ref=sr_1_1/102-7195045-9924152?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177259636&sr=1-1"><span style="font-weight: bold;">HEPATITIS C VIRUS DISEASE: Immunobiology and Clinical Applications</span></a><br />2007 by Emilio Jirillo, Editor. Due to be released Nov. 2007. Will include "comprehensive original papers" and willl "deal specifically with the effects of various types of interferons..." This is a $129 book.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/First-Year-Hepatitis-Essential-Diagnosed/dp/1600940285/ref=sr_1_2/102-7195045-9924152?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177259636&sr=1-2"><span style="font-weight: bold;">THE FIRST YEAR: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed</span></a><br />2007 by Cara Bruce and Lisa Montanerelli, foreword by Teresa Wright. Due to be released Sep. 2007. No description available.<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hepatitis-Help-Book-Revised-Groundbreaking/dp/0312372728/ref=sr_1_7/102-7195045-9924152?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177259636&sr=1-7"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">THE HEPATITIS C HELP BOOK</span></a><br />2007 by Misha Ruth Cohen, Robert Gish, and Kalia Doner. "A groundbreaking treatment program combining Western and Eastern medicine for maximum wellness and healing." Revised edition.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">2 0 0 6</span></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Book-Love-those-Hepatitis-1a/dp/1412040973/ref=sr_1_12/102-7195045-9924152?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177261054&sr=1-12"><span style="font-weight: bold;">A BOOK OF LOVE FOR THOSE WITH HEPATITIS 1a</span></a><br />2006 by Sheryl Ann Hedrick. "Heal naturally from Hepatitis C and learn of an old medicine man's herbal recipe."<br /><a href="http://www.myida.org/booklet.htm"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">BUT YOU LOOK GOOD</span></a><br />Publish date unclear. This is a 52 page book from The Invisible Disabilities Advocate that "...gets to the heart of why our friends and family have difficulty with understanding..." About $5.00<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Hepatitis-Through-Patients-Eyes-Healing/dp/1595940510/ref=sr_1_13/102-7195045-9924152?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177261054&sr=1-13">HEPATITIS C THROUGH A PATIENT'S EYES: Hope for Healing</a><br />2006 by Suzy Smith<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Living-Hepatitis-Survivors-Guide-Fourth/dp/1578262259/ref=sr_1_2/102-7195045-9924152?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177255958&sr=1-2"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">LIVING WITH HEPATITIS C: A Survivor's Guide</span></a><br />2006 by Gregory T. Everson, M.D., F.A.C.P., director of Hepatology, University of colorado Health Sciences Center, and Hedy Weinberg. 4th Edition.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Winning-Hepatitis-Battle-Understanding-successfully/dp/0974388300/ref=sr_1_8/102-7195045-9924152?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177255958&sr=1-8"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">WINNING THE HEPATITIS C BATTLE</span></a><br />2006 by Shekhar Challa, M.D., Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist.<br />"Understanding the disease and how to treat it successfully". (Lengthy review and description at the link above.)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >2 0 0 5</span><br /><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Hepatitis-Silent-Epidemic-Authoritative-Guide/dp/0738204382/ref=sr_1_1/102-7195045-9924152?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177268037&sr=1-1">HEPATITIS C: THE SILENT EPIDEMIC</a><br />2005 by Fred K. Askari, M.D., Ph.D., University of Michigan Medical Center. "...provides a clear and compassionate description of complex medical issues that many doctors fail to explain to their patients..."<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Living-Hepatitis-Dummies-Nina-Paul/dp/0764576208/ref=sr_1_7/102-7195045-9924152?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177255958&sr=1-7">LIVING WITH HEPATITIS C FOR DUMMIES</a><br />2005 by Nina L. Paul, Ph.D., foreword by Gina Pollichino.<br />"...This compassionate guide explains how hepatitis C affects the liver and the body and provides solid advice on today's treatment options -- from drugs (and their side effects) to transplants and alternative therapies -- as well as tips on dealing with the emotional and financial burdens..."<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Treating-Hepatitis-Naturally-Health-Publications/dp/1591201616/ref=sr_1_29/102-7195045-9924152?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177264224&sr=1-29">USER'S GUIDE to TREATING HEPATITIS NATURALLY</a><br />2005. by Douglas MacKay, graduate of the National College of Naturopathic Medicine. (Private practice in Dover, New Hampshire.)<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">2 0 0 4</span></span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Palmers-Guide-Hepatitis-Disease/dp/1583331883/ref=sr_1_53/102-7195045-9924152?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177264751&sr=1-53"><br />DR. MELISSA PALMER'S GUIDE TO HEPATITIS & LIVER DISEASE</a><br />2004 by Melissa Palmer, M.D., a nationally recognized hepatologist.<br />The author maintains the website liverdisease.com In the book she covers "...drugs, diet and nutrition, alternative therapies, surgery and transplantation, the liver in pregnancy, and living with an imperfectly functioning liver.......Palmer's impressive work is truly encyclopedic..."<br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Hepatitis-C-Cookbook-Delicious-Recipes/dp/1581824181/ref=sr_1_1/102-7195045-9924152?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177255958&sr=1-1"><br />HEPATITIS C COOKBOOK: Easy and Delicious Recipes</a><br />2004 by Heather Jeanne<br />"..prepared with the special dietary needs of people suffering from hepatitis C.."<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Hepatitis-C-Black-Persons-Guide/dp/0971606722/ref=sr_1_52/102-7195045-9924152?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177264751&sr=1-52">HEPATITIS C: The Black Person's Guide</a><br />2004 by Samuel Daniels, M.D.<br />"..Addressing the unique problems African Americans face in getting treatment..."<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >2 0 0 3</span><br /><br />None here yet.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">2 0 0 2</span></span><br /><br />None here yet.<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Hepatitis-C-Personal-Guide-Health/dp/1569753172/ref=sr_1_5/102-7195045-9924152?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177254652&sr=1-5">HEPATITIS C: A PERSONAL GUIDE TO GOOD HEALTH</a><br />2002 by Beth Ann Petro Roybal, foreword by Emmet B. Keeffe, M.D., Stanford University School of Medicine. This book has a nice section on alternative and complementary therapies.<br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Hepatitis-Free-Alternative-Medicine-Industry/dp/0967640431/ref=sr_1_9/102-7195045-9924152?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177255958&sr=1-9"><br />HEPATITIS C FREE: Alternataive Medicine vs. the Drug Industry, The People Speak</a><br />2002 by Lloyd Wright<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">2 0 0 1</span></span><br /><br />None here yet.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">2 0 0 0</span></span><br /><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Healing-Hepatitis-Modern-Chinese-Medicine/dp/0967721369/ref=sr_1_5/102-7195045-9924152?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177255958&sr=1-5">HEALING HEPATITIS C WITH MODERN CHINESE MEDICINE</a><br />2000 by Qingcai Zhang.<br />An herbal treatment program.<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Herbs-Hepatitis-Liver-Medicinal-Guide/dp/1580172555/ref=sr_1_1/002-4148789-3127261?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1174937058&sr=1-1">HERBS FOR HEPATITIS C AND THE LIVER</a><br />2000 by Stephen Harrod Buhner<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Living-Healthy-Hepatitis-Conventional-Approaches/dp/0440236088/ref=sr_1_3/102-7195045-9924152?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177255958&sr=1-3">LIVING HEALTHY WITH HEPATITIS C: Natural and Conventional Approaches to Recover Your Quality of Life</a><br />2000 by Harriet A. Washington, foreword by Dr. Stephen J. bock<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">1 9 9 9</span></span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">( and earlier)</span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.hepatitis-c.de/literatu.htm"><br />A list of books from the Deutsches Hepatitis C website</a><br />You will find the list of English books in the left sidebar. Categories include books specifically on Hepatitis C, natural Medicine, and more. The H epC Books were all published prior to 2000.<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.amazon.com/Hepatitis-C-Handbook-Matthew-Dolan/dp/1556433131/ref=sr_1_6/102-7195045-9924152?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177255958&sr=1-6">THE HEPATITIS C HANDBOOK</a><br />1999 by Matthew Dolan, foreword by John Tindall (Chinese Medicine Specialist).<br />Covers both conventional and alternative systems of treatment.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =</span><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">BOOKS: ONLINE AND FREE</span></span><br /><br />Below are the Table of Contents for two books. Both are available online, and are free. These are both great resources.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://hepcchallenge.org/choices/toc.htm">HEPATITIS C CHOICES</a></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">http://hepcchallenge.org/choices/toc.htm</span><br />Excellent information from the Hepatitis C Caring Ambassadors Program. Highly recommended!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Part 1: Information for Everyone With Hepatitis C</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:100%;">1: Overview of Hepatitis C - by Robert G. Gish, MD</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">2: Alcohol and Hepatitis C - by Douglas R. LaBrecque, MD and Lorren Sandt</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">3: Progression of Liver Disease - by Lorren Sandt</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">4: Signs and Symptoms That May Be Associated with Hepatitis C - by Tina M. St. John, MD</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">5: Laboratory Tests and Procedures - by Tina M. St. John, MD</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">6: Promoting Liver Health - by Lorren Sandt</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">7: Nutrition and Hepatitis C - by Lark Lands, PhD</span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;">8: The Immune System and Hepatitis C - by Tina M. St. John, MD</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Part 2:</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Hepatitis C Treatment and Management Approaches</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;">9: Western (Allopathic) Medicine -- </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Section 1: </span><span style="font-size:85%;">Allopathic Hepatitis C Treatment Overview - by Douglas R. LaBrecque, MD. </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Section 2: </span><span style="font-size:85%;">Initial Treatment Options - by Douglas R. LaBrecque, MD 99-113. </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Section 3: </span><span style="font-size:85%;">Options When Initial Treatment Fails to Clear the Hepatitis C Virus - by Gregory T. Everson, MD 114-126. </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Section 4: </span><span style="font-size:85%;">Future of Allopathic Hepatitis C Treatment - by Robert G. Gish, MD</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">10: Integrative Medicine - by Randy J. Horwitz, MD, PhD and Julia Jernberg, MD</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">11: Ayurvedic Medicine - by Shri K. Mishra, MD, MS, Bharathi Ravi, BAMS, and Sivaramaprasad Vinjamury, MD</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"> 12: Homeopathic Medicine - by Sylvia Flesner, ND </span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">13: Mind-Body Medicine & Spiritual Healing - by Peggy McCarthy, MBA</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">14: Modern & Traditional Chinese Medicine - by Qing Cai Zhang, MD (China), LAc</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">15: Naturopathic Medicine - by Lyn Patrick, ND</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">16: Nutritional Supplementation - Lark Lands, PhD and Lyn Patrick, ND</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Part 3:</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Other Topics for People with Hepatitis C</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;">17: Products Marketed to People with Hepatitis C - by Lyn Patrick, ND</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">18: You & Your Health Care - by Mark White, Peggy McCarthy, MBA, and Jo An Loren</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">19: Military Veterans & Hepatitis C - by Terry Baker</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">20: HIV/HCV Coinfection -- </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Section 1: </span><span style="font-size:85%;">Overview of HIV/HCV Coinfection - by Tina M. St. John, MD; </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Section 2:</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> Western (Allopathic) Treatment Options - by Tina M. St. John, MD; </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Section 3: </span><span style="font-size:85%;">Alternative Eastern Treatment Options - by Misha Cohen, OMD, LAc; </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > Section 4:</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> Naturopathic Treatment Options - by Lyn Patrick, ND</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">21: My Journey, My Choices - by Randy Dietrich</span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;">22: A Look to the Future - by Lorren Sandt</span></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Appendices</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />I: Patients' Rights<br />II: How to Cut Down on Your Drinking<br />III: The HALT-C Trial<br />IV: Ayurvedic Herbs<br />V: Chinese Medicine Herbs and Formulas<br />VI: You & Your Health Care<br />VII: Liver-Toxic Medications & Herbs<br /><br />Resource Directory<br />Glossary<br />References<br />About the Authors<br />Matrix: Hepatitis C Diagnosis<br />Matrix: Hepatitis C Treatment Options<br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hepc/hepatitis_c/pdf/nutritionCareGuidelines/index.html#toc"><span style="font-weight: bold;">HEPATITIS C: NUTRITION CARE - CANADIAN GUIDELINES FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS</span></a></span><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hepc/hepatitis_c/pdf/nutritionCareGuidelines/index.html#toc<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;">This book is endorsed by: Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver; Canadian Association of Hepatology Nurses; Canadian Hemophilia Society; Canadian Liver Foundation; and the Hepatitis C Society of Canada.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Table of Contents<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Acknowledgements<br /><br />Executive Summary<br /><br />Practice Essentials<br /><br />Introduction<br />Target Audience for the Guidelines<br />Rationale for the Guidelines<br />Results of Needs Assessment<br />How the Guidelines Were Developed<br /><br />Chapter 1: A Primer on Hepatitis C<br />Description of the Issue<br />Who Is at Risk<br />Diagnosis of HCV<br />Current Treatment Strategies<br />How HCV Affects the Liver<br />Stages of Liver Disease<br />Factors Implicated in Progression of Liver Damage<br />The Role of the Liver in Nutrition<br />How HCV Affects Nutritional Status<br /><br />Chapter 2: Healthy Lifestyle Overview<br />Proven Benefits of Nutrition<br />Healthy Eating for Persons Infected with HCV<br />Healthy Eating Guidelines in Canada<br />Alcohol and Hepatitis C<br />Importance of a Healthy Body Weight<br />Importance of Physical Activity<br /><br />Chapter 3: Nutrition Intervention in Hepatitis C<br />Guidelines for Nutrition Intervention in Hepatitis C<br />Nutrient Guidelines Overview<br />Oxidative Stress<br />Vitamin and Mineral Supplements<br />Stage of Hepatitis C - Nutrition Considerations<br />Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition<br /><br />Chapter 4: Assessment of Nutritional Status<br />Factors to Consider in Clinical Nutrition Evaluation<br />Counselling Guidelines and Recommendations<br /><br />Chapter 5: Dealing with Symptoms and Treatment<br />Side Effects<br />Common Symptoms and Treatment Side Effects Associated<br />with Hepatitis C<br />Strategies for Coping with Symptoms and Treatment Side Effects<br /><br />Chapter 6: Complementary and Alternative Therapies<br />The Naturopathic Approach<br />Vitamin/Mineral Supplements<br />Herbal Products<br /><br />Chapter 7: Nutritionally At-Risk Groups<br />Concomitant Medical Conditions<br />At-Risk Population or Lifestyle Groups<br /><br />Chapter 8: Skills for Healthy Eating<br />Ability to Plan, Shop and Cook<br />Nutrition Labelling<br />Food Safety<br /><br />References and Resources<br />References by Chapter<br />Resources - Organizations and General Useful Resources<br />Resources - by Chapter<br /><br />Glossary of Terms and Acronyms<br /><br />Appendices<br />Appendix A: Healthy Eating Checklist for Persons with Hepatitis C<br />Appendix B: Canada's Food Guide Principles<br />Appendix C: Summary of Physical Activity Considerations<br />Appendix D: Quick Protein Check<br />Appendix E: Guidelines for Food Selection with Sodium Restriction<br />Appendix F: Managing Common Discomforts and Treatment Side Effects<br />Appendix G: Healthy Eating - Planning Tips<br />Appendix H: Low-Cost Nutritious Choices<br />Appendix I: Standard Nutrition Facts Label<br />Appendix J: Tips for Safe Food Handling</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7348762089467966652.post-59774585524678425562006-06-02T19:22:00.000-06:002007-04-21T19:23:07.333-06:00FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions<span style="font-style: italic;">(UNDER CONSTRUCTION)</span><br />This is a collection of the FAQ pages from various organizations.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/faq.htm"><span style="font-weight: bold;">FAQ: from the CDC</span></a><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (government agency)<span style="font-style: italic;"><br />http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/c/faq.htm</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0