Dedication

Introduction

Foreword

Part 1:The Basics

Questions 1–8 provide background information for understanding hepatitis C,

including:

• Can you give me an overview of the liver and liver disease?

• What is hepatitis C?

• Who should be screened for hepatitis C?

Part 2:Transmission

Questions 9–17 address concerns about how hepatitis is transmitted and prevention,

including:

• What are the most common risk factors for hepatitis C?

• How can I prevent transmission of hepatitis C to other people?

• Can hepatitis C be spread through sexual contact

Part 3:Natural History and Symptoms

Questions 18–24 discuss symptoms and other factors associated with hepatitis C,

including:

• What is the natural history of hepatitis C?

• What are the signs and symptoms of hepatitis C infection?

• Can the liver worsen while someone feels well?

Part 4:Testing and Evaluation

Questions 25–36 cover available tests and methods for evaluation, including:

• Can you give me an overview of testing and evaluation?

• What is a hepatitis C antibody test?

• What is a direct test for hepatitis C virus?

Part 5:Treatment

Questions 37–50 explore treatment options and choices, including:

• Can you give me an overview of treatment?

• Can hepatitis C be cured, and how is “cure” defined?

• What are the potential benefits of undergoing treatment for hepatitis C?

Part 6:Treatment Side Effects

Questions 51–62 address common side effects associated with treatment, including:

• Are there any treatment side effects?

• What are the side effects of interferon therapy?

• What are the side effects of ribavirin therapy?

Part 7: Special Situations

Questions 63–68 help patients cope with special situations, including:

• What if I have a new case of acute hepatitis C infection?

• Is acute hepatitis C treated differently?

• What if I have mild kidney disease or even kidney failure?

Part 8: Complementary and Alternative Medicine Options

Questions 69–79 explore the role of complementary and alternative medicine

options, including:

• What is the role of complementary and alternative medicine options in hepatitis

C?

• What can you tell me about milk thistle?

• What can you tell me about licorice root?

Part 9: Cirrhosis

Questions 80–85 provide answers about cirrhosis as it relates to hepatitis C,

including:

• What is cirrhosis?

• How is cirrhosis diagnosed?

• What are the signs and symptoms of cirrhosis?

Part 10: Liver Cancer

Questions 86–91 answer common questions about liver cancer, including:

• Can you give me an overview of liver cancer and hepatitis C?

• What are the signs and symptoms of liver cancer?

• Who should be screened for liver cancer and how?

Part 11: Liver Transplantation

Questions 92–98 cover the risks, recurrence, and treatment before and after a liver

transplant, including:

• Can you give me an overview of liver transplantation for hepatitis C?

• How are patients ordered on the transplant list, and what is the MELD score?

• What are the risks of surgery, and what is the difference between deceased donor

and living donor liver transplantation?

Part 12:The Future

Questions 99 and 100 offer a candid account of the current rate of cure and reasons

for tremendous optimism for the future, including:

• Are there any new treatment options for hepatitis C?

• What should I expect in the future?

Resources

Glossary

Index