विवरण
Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by hepatitis B virus. In some conditions it can be a chronic condition which can last for more than six months. Hepatitis increases the risk of having liver failure,liver cancer or cirrhosis.Most adults recover fully, but in case of infants and children are more likely to have hepatitis B infection.
They usually appear about one to four months after you've been infected, although you could see them as early as two weeks post-infection. Some people, usually young children, may not have any symptoms.
सारांश
- Hepatitis B can be transmitted from mother to child, through sexual contact, and via blood exposure (e.g., shared needles). Most infected individuals (90%) are asymptomatic. In rare cases, acute hepatitis manifests with joint pain, fever, loss of appetite, and vomiting within 4-8 weeks of infection.
- Hepatitis B awareness remains low, despite its potential to cause chronic liver disease (20%), cirrhosis (20%), liver failure (2%), and hepatocellular carcinoma (2%). Screening and vaccination rates are inadequate, despite the availability of a preventative vaccine.
- Screening is recommended for high-risk individuals (doctors, hospital staff, caregivers) and those with multiple sexual partners or a family history of hepatitis B. A simple blood test (HBsAg) determines positive or negative status. Negative individuals should receive a three-dose vaccine series (0, 1, and 6 months) for 99% immunity.
- Vaccination awareness is still lacking. A drive is needed that includes education and community outreach to raise awareness for vaccination and screening. School-level programs could be used to educate the young generations. Hepatitis B vaccination has been mandatory for newborns in India since 2008/2009.
- Hepatitis B vaccination typically doesn't require a booster, unless working in a high-risk hospital setting. An anti-HBs titer above 10 indicates sufficient immunity. Otherwise, a booster is recommended after the third dose if the anti-HBs titer is low.
- Carriers of hepatitis B (50% of cases) have the virus but it's not actively multiplying, posing a risk for future liver damage. Carriers also risk transmitting the virus through sexual behavior, given low levels of awareness.
- Common modes of hepatitis B transmission include mother to child, sexual partners, and needlestick injuries (healthcare workers, tattoos). Immunity is achieved through vaccination and maintaining an anti-HBs titer above 10.
- Hepatitis A and E are transmitted through fecal-oral routes and typically cause acute, self-resolving viral hepatitis (fever, jaundice, nausea, vomiting). Pregnant women with hepatitis E are at higher risk for severe complications (2-10% mortality).
- Hepatitis B is usually spread through blood contact. Therefore, hepatitis B is usually seen in dialysis patients or patients with Hemophilia, or patients who have undergone needle stick injury.
- Common clinical scenarios in hepatology include asymptomatic carriers, pregnant women newly diagnosed, and patients presenting with liver failure. Management strategies involve regular monitoring, antiviral treatment during pregnancy, and treatment for cerotic patients regardless of their condition. Infants who test positive for hepatitis B, particularly those not vaccinated at birth, require treatment with PEG interferon (under 2 years) or antiviral medications (older children).
- Reassurance, counseling, and effective treatments help families cope with infant hepatitis B diagnoses. Early and comprehensive care helps manage the condition, preventing long-term complications and fatalities.
नमूना प्रमाण पत्र
वक्ताओं के बारे में
Dr Sonali Gautam
Consultant gastroenterologist practicing in Fortis Hiranandani Hospital,Vashi, Navi Mumbai.
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