Definition of Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D ek serious viral liver infection hai jo Hepatitis D virus (HDV) se hoti hai. Ye virus tabhi infect karta hai jab body me Hepatitis B (HBV) already present ho — isliye ise “defective virus” bhi kaha jata hai. HDV liver me severe inflammation karta hai aur rapidly cirrhosis aur liver failure tak le ja sakta hai.
Causes of Hepatitis D
● Causative Agent: Hepatitis D virus (HDV), a single-stranded RNA virus.
● HDV independent infection nahi kar sakta; use HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) ki zaroorat hoti hai replication ke liye.
Routes of Transmission
● Infected blood or body fluids
● Sharing contaminated needles (IV drug users)
● Sexual transmission (unprotected sex)
● From mother to baby (vertical transmission)
● Blood transfusion (rare due to screening)
Risk Factors of Hepatitis D
● Person already infected with Hepatitis B
● IV drug users
● Multiple sexual partners
● Hemodialysis patients
● Healthcare workers
● Living in high-prevalence areas (Asia, Africa, Mediterranean)
Pathophysiology of Hepatitis D
● HDV HBV ke saath hi replicate kar sakta hai.
● Liver cells me entry ke baad HDV HBsAg ka use karta hai apne replication ke liye.
● Liver me severe inflammation hota hai → hepatocyte injury → necrosis.
● Co-infection (HBV + HDV at same time) → acute hepatitis.
● Superinfection (chronic HBV patient gets HDV) → worst prognosis, rapid cirrhosis, liver failure.
Symptoms of Hepatitis D
Symptoms Hepatitis B jaise hote hain, lekin zyada severe:
● Fever
● Fatigue, weakness
● Loss of appetite
● Nausea, vomiting
● Upper abdominal pain
● Jaundice (yellow skin & eyes)
● Dark urine & clay-colored stool
● Joint pain
● Severe cases → confusion, swelling (ascites), bleeding tendency
Complications of Hepatitis D
● Fulminant hepatic failure
● Rapid progression to cirrhosis
● Hepatocellular carcinoma (late stage)
● Chronic liver disease
● Portal hypertension
● Esophageal variceal bleeding
Diagnosis of Hepatitis D
● Anti-HDV antibodies (IgM & IgG)
● HDV RNA test – confirms active infection
● Liver function tests (ALT, AST very high)
● HBsAg positive (HBV presence mandatory)
● Ultrasound or CT abdomen (liver damage assessment)
Treatment of Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D ka treatment limited hai, lekin kuch options effective hain:
Medical Management:
● Pegylated Interferon-alpha (main effective therapy) for 48 weeks
● Supportive care: hydration, rest, nutrition
● Avoid alcohol & hepatotoxic drugs
● Manage complications (ascites, bleeding, encephalopathy)
No specific antiviral directly against HDV (research ongoing).
Nursing Management
● Monitor liver function (ALT, AST, bilirubin)
● Observe for jaundice, ascites, edema
● Maintain skin care (itching control)
● Provide small frequent meals & low-fat diet
● Educate patient to avoid alcohol completely
● Promote rest & emotional support
● Teach infection control (avoid sharing razors, needles)
● Emphasize importance of HBV vaccination for family members
Prevention of Hepatitis D
Hepatitis B vaccine is the ONLY protection from Hepatitis D.
● HBV vaccination schedule follow karein
● Safe sex practices
● Avoid needle sharing
● Screen blood before transfusion
● Hand hygiene & safe medical practices
Summary of Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D ek severe liver infection hai jo tabhi hota hai jab person already Hepatitis B se infected ho. Ye rapid cirrhosis aur liver failure cause kar sakta hai. Treatment limited hai, lekin early detection, interferon therapy, and HBV prevention se disease control possible hai. Most important prevention — Hepatitis B vaccination.
🔗 Read More
👉🏻 Neuropathy
0 Comments