Hepatitis D
Hepatitis D is an infectious lesion of the liver, coinfection of hepatitis B, which significantly worsens its course.
Causes of hepatitis D
Hepatitis D is a viral disease. It is provoked by the Deltavirus virus – it is a satellite of the hepatitis B virus and is considered its partner, since it is fixed only with it.
Hepatitis D virus is very resistant to environmental influences. Freezing, thawing, and acid exposure have virtually no effect on its viability.
The main reservoir where the virus is contained is patients with combined hepatitis B and hepatitis D virus. These people pose the greatest danger at the time of the acute phase of the disease, but even after passing its peak, the risk of infection remains at a high level.
There is an indispensable condition for the transmission of hepatitis D virus. And it is the presence of hepatitis B virus cells in the human body. Infection can occur at the time of blood transfusion from an infected person, when manipulating insufficiently sterilized medical instruments. Including in dentistry, and during surgical interventions.
Hepatitis D is transmitted sexually, especially to persons who have promiscuous sexual relations, including homosexuals. In practice, cases of family spread of the virus have been recorded. This allows us to draw conclusions about the likelihood of infection by contact and household means.
Symptoms of hepatitis D
Hepatitis D significantly complicates the course of hepatitis B. He has a short-term incubation period, literally a few days. The pre-jaundice period is characterized by the same symptoms as with hepatitis B, but with a more violent course and shorter duration (general malaise, body aches, fever, headaches, etc.).
The symptoms of the jaundice period of hepatitis D are identical to the symptoms observed in hepatitis B:
fecal discoloration;
darkening of urine;
bouts of vomiting and nausea;
fixing pain in the right side;
an increase in the size of the liver;
pronounced intoxication, which is progressing.
Superinfection is quite difficult to diagnose, since the main symptoms of its manifestation are similar to hepatitis B.
The main signs of the presence of this particular viral infection are considered to be:
the rapid rate of change in the clinical picture;
fast chronization of the process;
disorder of protein synthesis in the liver.
Chronic hepatitis D, symptoms:
stool disorder;
muscle and joint pain;
pain in the upper abdomen;
nausea.
In the advanced stage of the disease , it is noted:
the appearance of vascular asterisks;
increase in the size of the spleen and liver;
bleeding gums;
skin itching;
hepatic edema.
Diagnosis of hepatitis D
Diagnostic measures to detect this disease are carried out by an infectious disease specialist.
A general examination of the patient is carried out and the anamnesis of the disease is collected, laboratory and instrumental studies are prescribed:
determination of specific markers of hepatitis;
PCR;
biochemical blood analysis;
MRI of the biliary tract and liver;
rheohepatography;
Ultrasound of the liver;
liver biopsy.
Treatment of hepatitis D
Medical treatment involves taking antiviral drugs to reduce the rate of reproduction of viruses. But since hepatitis D has greater resistance to interferon, it is practiced to increase its dosages to achieve a positive result. The duration of therapy for this ailment can vary from several months to several years. In some cases, a repeated therapeutic course is necessary.
Since the hepatitis D virus has a direct cytopathic effect, corticosteroid hormones are contraindicated in this disease.
