Dr. Samriddhi Poyekar

Call: +91 8369754699 📍 Locations: Vashi Parel | Ghatkopar | Thane | Dombivli | Kalyan 🕒 Timings: Mon–Sat (As per clinic schedule)
Call: +91 8369754699 📍 Locations: Vashi | Parel | Ghatkopar | Thane | Dombivli | Kalyan 🕒 Timings: Mon–Sat (As per clinic schedule)

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Hepatitis C Infection

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes inflammation and damage to the liver. If left untreated over time, it can lead to cirrhosis (permanent liver scarring) and other serious complications. The good news is that Hepatitis C is curable with modern treatment.

How Hepatitis C Spreads

Hepatitis C spreads through contact with infected blood.

Common modes of transmission:

  • Sharing needles or syringes (especially during drug use)
  • Sharing personal items (razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes)
  • Unsterilized medical, dental, or tattoo equipment
  • Contaminated blood transfusions
  • Hemodialysis (if infection control is inadequate)
  • Organ transplant from an infected donor
  • Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy or delivery
  • Sexual contact (less common)

Symptoms

  • Hepatitis C is often silent, especially in the early stage (acute infection).
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Body aches
  • Jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin)
  • Many people remain symptom-free for years.

Complications

  • If untreated for a long time, Hepatitis C can lead to:
  • Cirrhosis (permanent liver scarring)
  • Internal bleeding (vomiting blood or black stools)
  • Fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites)
  • Liver failure (confusion or coma)
  • Liver cancer
  • Kidney damage
  • Early treatment can prevent these complications.

Prevention

  • Hepatitis C is diagnosed through blood tests:
  • HCV RNA Test: Confirms active infection
  • HCV Antibody Test: Detects exposure to the virus
  • Liver function tests: Assess liver damage
  • Imaging (ultrasound or FibroScan) may be done to assess liver scarring.

Treatment & Cure

  • Is Hepatitis C Curable?
  • Yes — Hepatitis C can be completely cured with antiviral medicines.
  • Treatment Options
  • Treatment usually involves oral antiviral medications taken for 12–24 weeks, such as:
  • Sofosbuvir + Daclatasvir
  • Sofosbuvir + Velpatasvir
  • Sofosbuvir + Ledipasvir
  • Sometimes Ribavirin
  • The exact treatment depends on the patient’s liver condition.
  • After Treatment
  • A blood test (HCV RNA) is done 12 weeks after treatment
  • If negative, it confirms SVR (Sustained Virological Response) — meaning cure
  • If Cirrhosis is Present
  • Even after successful treatment:
  • Regular follow-up is required
  • Screening for liver cancer is essential:
  • Ultrasound abdomen every 6 months
  • Blood test (AFP)

Is Treatment Needed Without Symptoms?

  • Yes. Treatment is recommended even if there are no symptoms because untreated infection can silently lead to:
  • Cirrhosis
  • Liver cancer
  • Liver failure
  • Early treatment prevents long-term complications.

Follow-Up After Treatment

  • Blood tests to confirm virus clearance
  • Regular monitoring if liver damage (cirrhosis) is present
  • Continued screening for complications when required

Pregnancy & Mother-to-Child Transmission

  • Risk of transmission: 3–7% in untreated women
  • Treatment is recommended before planning pregnancy
  • If diagnosed during pregnancy:
  • Treatment is usually delayed until after delivery
  • Antiviral medications are not routinely used during pregnancy

When is Liver Transplant Needed?

  • Liver transplantation may be required in advanced cases with:
  • Severe cirrhosis
  • Liver failure
  • Liver cancer

FAQ's

What is hepatitis C?

A viral infection causing liver inflammation, often chronic, leading to cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Often asymptomatic early; fatigue, jaundice, abdominal discomfort, dark urine

Blood tests for anti-HCV antibodies and HCV RNA

Direct-acting antiviral medications can cure most patients, with monitoring for liver health

Patients feedback

When I was diagnosed with Hepatitis C, my first thought was that it would stay with me forever. I had no symptoms, so it came as a complete shock. What truly reassured me was learning that it is actually curable. The treatment plan was clearly explained, and the medications were easy to follow. A few months later, when my reports confirmed the virus was gone, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted. I finally felt free from that constant worry

Sonal Shinde From fear to relief, knowing it can be cured changed everything

As a family, we went from panic to hope” “When my father was diagnosed, we were extremely anxious, especially after reading about complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer. But the moment we understood that Hepatitis C is treatable and curable, our entire perspective changed. The treatment was started at the right time, and we were guided at every step. Today, his reports show no active infection, and as a family, we feel incredibly relieved and grateful.

Mayuri Desai As a family, we went from panic to hope

Consult For

MASLD
Wilson disease
Jaundice
Liver transplantation
Liver Cirrhosis
Alcohol associated liver disease
Autoimmune Hepatitis
Budd Chiari Syndrome
Hepatitis B Infection
Hepatitis C Infection
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) / Liver cancer
Endoscopy

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