Study Document
Hepatitis C Article Review
Pages:2 (511 words)
Subject:Health
Topic:Hepatitis B
Document Type:Article Review
Document:#49458689
Hepatitis C: New CDC Screening Recommendations
The objective of this study is to review the article written by Doug Campos-Outcalt entitled "Hepatitis C: New CDC Screening Recommendations" published in the Journal of Family Practice, Volume 61, Number 12 in December 2012.
Campos-Outcalt (2012) writes that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new recommendations for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection screening including a one-time screening for all individuals in the United States that were born between the year of 1945 and 1965 "regardless of risk." The new recommendations are reported to be rather than a replacement to be instead an enhancement of "the recommendations for HCV screening" stated in 1998 calling for those who were considered high-risk to be screened.
HCV results in a high level of morbidity and mortality in the United States. There are reported to be 17,000 new infections to have occurred in 2010 with approximately 2.7 to 3.9 million individuals in the United States living with HCV infection that is chronic in nature. It is important to note that many individuals with chronic HCV do not even know that they are infected with HCV since physicians fail to screen for HCV and patients fail to acknowledge their past risky behavior, which led to them being infected with HCV.
Highest Risk Groups Identified
It is reported that the two groups at the highest risk for HCV are those who are users of illegal drugs, which they injected, and those who received blood transfusions prior to 1992 when HCV blood screening…
Sample Source(s) Used
It is reported that the two groups at the highest risk for HCV are those who are users of illegal drugs, which they injected, and those who received blood transfusions prior to 1992 when HCV blood screening began. There are other risk factors, which include having been incarcerated, having sex with someone infected with HCV, and the acquisition of a tattoo at an establishment that was unregulated, among others risk factors for contracting HCV. According to Campos-Outcalt, sustained virological response following treatment was demonstrated in individuals exhibiting a "reduction in all-cause mortality >50% compared with nonresponders." (Campos-Outcalt, 2012) Individuals born between 1988 and 1994 are much more likely to have contracted HCV than those born between 1999 and 2002.
Observational Studies and Reported Outcomes
Twelve observational studies are reported that examined treatment effects on the incidence of HCC and are reported to have shown a "75% reduction in HCC rates in those who achieved viral clearance compared with those who did not." (Campos-Outcalt, 2012) Physicians are advised that if there is a positive on a confirmatory test that the patient should be assumed to have HCV infection. The patient must decide if treatment is to be initiated and must undergo additional assessment to check for chronic liver disease. Measures should be taken to protect their liver from receiving additional damage including alcohol consumption reduction, medication avoidance and use of herbal products that result in liver damage. Patients infected with HCV should focus on the maintenance of an optimal weight and should receive vaccines against hepatitis A and B. AS well, patients should be instructed on how to avoid spreading the HCV infection to other people. There is noted by Campos-Outcalt (2012) to be controversies on HCV screening in regards to improvements in outcomes. For this reason the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is presently conducting a revisement of the HCV recommendations for screening.
Related Documents
Study Document
Hepatitis C Virus
Hepatitis C What is the leading cause of liver disease? What could cause so many people to require liver transplants? Most people on the street today would think that the answer to those questions would be alcoholism. And, although alcohol does do its fair share of damage to livers around the world, there is a greater source causing chronic liver disease out there. This term paper will attempt to shed light on
Study Document
Hepatitis C Treatments: Their Link to Depression
Hepatitis C Treatments: Their Link to Depression and Implications for the Social Worker The most commonly used treatment for patients suffering from Hepatitis C, a deadly liver disease, is the drug interferon combined with ribavirin. This treatment offers the most promise for a long-term positive prognosis. However, it has a known high rate for negative psychological side effects such as depression and other anxiety disorders. Clinical psychology can offer some solutions
Study Document
Hepatitis C And Cellular Biology Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C and Cellular Biology Hepatitis C is a virus that affects over 2% of the global population (Belon & Frick, 2009). It is a virus that leads to chronic liver disease, and has many complications, including cirrhosis, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (Belon & Frick, 2009), and it is the leading cause of liver transplantation among countries in the developed world (Whidby et al., 2009). Hepatitis C establishes and maintains a
Study Document
Hepatitis C: A Sobering Look
As the liver damage progresses, these symptoms may grow more severe. "The hepatitis C virus is linked to an increased risk of porphyria cutanea tarda, a condition that may cause a blistering rash, to cryoglobulinemia, which can cause a purplish rash (purpura) on…lower extremities, and may cause kidney damage" (Complications, 2009, The Mayo Clinic). Symptoms Many patients have no specific symptoms and the finding of abnormal hepatic transaminase levels on routine
Study Document
Hepatitis C Virus Infection Trends Among MSM That Attend Clinics for Sexually Transmitted Infections...
Hepatitis C virus infection Trends among MSM that attend clinics for sexually transmitted infections: 1995 to 2010 Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been noted since 2000 as a "sexually-transmitted-infection" (STI) amid MSM that are HIV-positive. This paper seeks to cross-examine the HCV occurrence among MSM attending a big STI-clinic located in Netherlands. There is need to examine data, and down the time profile, on chronic and acute infection of HCV among
Study Document
Hepatitis C Anatomy of the Liver the
Hepatitis C Anatomy of the Liver The liver is found at the upper right hand portion of the abdominal opening just under the diaphragm, but over the stomach, right kidney and intestines. It is a cone shaped organ that weighs approximately 3 pounds and appears to be dark red in color (USC Liver Transplant Program and Center for Liver Disease, 2012). (1) right lobe, (2) left lobe, (3) caudate lobe, (4) quadrate lobe,