How to cure hepatitis C viral disease?

Question

Hi doctor,

My mother is 59 years old, with type 2 diabetes for the past 15 years. She is taking medications for diabetes, blood pressure and multivitamin Centrum Her diabetes and BP are under control. Before four months, she had severe vomiting, fever and body pain. We approached a hospital and did the blood tests. The results came positive for SGOT and SGPT. Since then, she has been taking medications for SGOT and SGPT, but it did not come down. We approached another doctor, who requested us to get back with the following test results: hepatitis C viral (HCV RNA) quantitative real-time PCR - 2744422 IU/mL, linear reporting range of the assay is 43 to 6.9 X 10 (7). HCV RNA detected with the linear range of the assay. The SGOT value is 87 IU/L, and the level of SGPT is 95 IU/L. I have attached the reports. I kindly request you to review the reports and advice on the following questions: HCV RNA real-time results are severe or at the starting stage? The doctor explained that the results suggest hepatitis C. Can you tell me whether it is contagious and harmful if she lives near pregnant women? What medications are preferred to control the SGPT, SGOT and HCV RNA? If possible, please provide the medicine name. How long does she need to take the medication to cure the disease? Can she get any drugs abroad? Many thanks in advance for the help and support. Kind regards.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your post and investigations (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

Your mother is having hepatitis C, which if untreated can lead to liver failure and the treatment success rate is 95 to 99 %. The status of liver disease can be assessed by two methods, one is by liver biopsy, and the other is by clinical and other tests which include LFT (liver function test), coagulogram, USG (ultrasonogram) liver, fibroscan and sometimes liver stiffness panel.
- Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir are the first line oral drugs and approved by FDA (food and drug administration) for the treatment of hepatitis C and are used for all the three hepatitis C genotypes. The treatment should be given for 12 weeks. However, genotyping of the hepatitis C virus is important, and the duration of the treatment depends on it. You need to mention which treatment she is receiving because interferon used earlier has to be given weekly for 48 weeks along with Ribavirin.
  - Hepatitis C is transmitted through sexual intercourse, blood transfusion, and sometimes from a mother to the child. It is not spread by touching or living with someone including a pregnant woman, so there is no risk.
  For further queries consult an internal medicine physician online