Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D Causes
Hepatitis D is a disease that is caused by a small circular RNA virus (Hepatitis delta virus or hepatitis D virus, HDV). HDV is considered to be a subviral satellite because it can develop only in the presence of another virus, the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Transmission of HDV can arise either via simultaneous infection with HBV (coinfection) or via infection of an individual previously infected with HBV (superinfection). Both superinfection and coinfection with HDV leads to more severe complications compared to infection with HBV alone. These complications include a greater likelihood of experiencing liver failure in acute infections and a much greater likelihood of developing liver cancer in chronic infections. In combination with hepatitis B virus, hepatitis D has the highest mortality rate of all hepatitis infections of 20%.
Hepatitis D Definition
Hepatitis (plural hepatitides) implies injury to liver marked by presence of inflammatory cells in the liver tissue.
Hepatitis D Diagnosis
These viral hepatitis conditions can be diagnosed and followed through the use of readily available blood tests.
Hepatitis D Symptoms and Signs
Clinically, the course of acute hepatitis varies greatly from mild symptoms requiring no treatment to fulminant hepatic failure needing liver transplantation. Initial features are of nonspecific flu-like symptoms, commonly seen in almost all acute viral infections and may include malaise, muscle and joint aches, fever, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, and headache. More specific symptoms, which can be found in acute hepatitis from any cause, are: profound loss of appetite, aversion to smoking among smokers, dark urine, yellowing of the eyes and skin (i.e., jaundice) and abdominal discomfort.
Hepatitis D Treatment
Interferon-alpha is administered to treat patients with chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis D infection. Some studies have shown that a dose higher than that usually used for hepatitis B infection may be beneficial for the patient.