Hepatitis D is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis delta virus (HDV) that can lead to severe liver damage, liver cancer, liver failure and fatal outcomes. The hepatitis D virus is a contagious disease and there is no vaccine or treatment for HDV yet, but the hepatitis B vaccine may be recommended. If diagnosed early, treatments may be available to help prevent liver failure.
Hepatitis D can be acute or chronic. Acute HDV develops suddenly and causes severe symptoms. It may improve spontaneously. When the infection persists for 6 months or more, this is known as chronic HDV. When chronic hepatitis D progresses, the likelihood of complications increases. As a result of hepatitis D, most cases complain of cirrhosis or severe scarring of the liver.
How is hepatitis D transmitted?
Hepatitis D is a contagious disease. It can be transmitted and spread through contact with the body fluids of an infected person. For the hepatitis D virus to develop, the person must first have the hepatitis B virus in their body. Like hepatitis B virus, hepatitis D virus can be transmitted through blood or contact with infected body fluids (such as tattoos, injections).
Which diseases does hepatitis D cause?
Hepatitis D virus is a liver disease that can cause serious liver damage and symptoms. The diseases caused by hepatitis D infection include
- Cirrhosis
- Liver failure
- Liver cancer
What are the Symptoms of Hepatitis D Infection?
In the case of hepatitis D infection, the symptoms of hepatitis B in the patient may worsen. The symptoms of hepatitis D infection can be listed as follows:
- Intense weakness and fatigue,
- Unexplained weight loss,
- Fire,
- Nausea and vomiting,
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice
- Dark urine and lightening of stool color,
- Spontaneous bruises on the body,
- Unexplained bleeding and failure to stop bleeding,
- Yellowing of the skin and skin color.
What are the risk factors for hepatitis D?
Hepatitis D virus can be transmitted through blood or contact with infected body fluids (such as tattoos, injections). Hepatitis D risk factors may include the following conditions:
- Carrying hepatitis B virus,
- Sexual intercourse with people infected with HDV,
- People who have had multiple sexual partners or have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease,
- Men having sexual intercourse with other men,
- Injection drug users,
- Being infected while pregnant (the mother can pass the virus to the baby).
How is hepatitis D diagnosed?
Hepatitis D is diagnosed by specialized doctors. The doctor first asks a series of questions to learn about the symptoms and lifestyle of the person. The doctor then performs a physical examination and evaluates signs of liver damage such as changes in skin color, swelling in the lower legs, feet or ankles, tenderness or swelling in the abdomen. If this is suspected, some blood tests are performed.
How is hepatitis D treated?
Treatment options for HDV infection are limited and a definitive treatment has not yet been determined. Although there are some medications preferred by experts, these medications can have many side effects and may not be suitable for everyone.
Patients with hepatitis D may need hepatitis B treatment. HBV treatment includes antiviral drugs and immune modulating drugs. These drugs help the immune system fight the virus.
If patients have chronic hepatitis D with complications, they may need treatment to limit liver damage. In cases of severe liver damage or liver failure, a liver transplant may be needed.
