Hepatitis
Treatment of hepatitis is a combination of prevention, support, symptom relief, treatment of underlying disorders, and medication. The incidence of new cases of viral hepatitis has decreased due to use of safe injection and safe sex practices (important in preventing hepatitis B and C) and the availability of vaccines for hepatitis A and hepatitis B (there is currently no vaccine available for hepatitis C). Screening units of blood for hepatitis B and C has virtually eliminated infections through blood transfusions. A systematic program to screen pregnant mothers for hepatitis B and to vaccinate babies at birth if the mother has the virus has greatly decreased new cases of hepatitis B.
Support and symptom relief are frequently the only treatments required for acute viral hepatitis A, B, and C. Hepatitis due to parasites or bacteria is cured by treating that infection. Drug, chemical, and alcoholic hepatitis are treated by avoiding the toxin. In most cases, acute hepatitis will resolve over time.
With chronic hepatitis, the goal is to minimize further damage to the liver, to treat underlying conditions that are causing or exacerbating the condition, and to prevent transmission of viral hepatitis to others. There is treatment available for both chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C (see Viral Hepatitis Table), but it is not effective in all cases.
Autoimmune hepatitis may be treated with medications that suppress the immune system, such as prednisone and azathioprine (Imuran), although these treatments also are not effective in all cases. Specific treatments are available for the genetic causes of hepatitis. With non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, weight loss (in those who are obese) often leads to improvement in hepatitis, and early results suggest that drugs that decrease insulin resistance may also be helpful.
New treatments, vaccines, and prevention strategies for hepatitis continue to emerge. It is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of currently available options.
