Chronic hepatitis C Hepatitis C - "the tender murderer"   in most cases it goes unnoticed and gradually leads to replacement of the bulk of the liver cells (hepatocytes) by connective tissue cells, i.e. to the development of cirrhosis. Liver cirrhosis gradually loses its function, resulting in the poisoning of the body with toxic metabolic products.

Chronic hepatitis C - What are the characteristics of its pathogen

Hepatitis C - is an acute or chronic infectious-inflammatory disease of the liver that is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). A feature of HCV is a constant mutation, ie a change of the genetic structure. Currently we identified several HCV genotypes, each of which has its subtypes. In Russia, the most common 1, 2 and 3 genotypes of HCV. In the same patient's blood may be present as one or more HCV genotypes with different degrees of virulence (aggressiveness), which greatly complicates the treatment. Because of the constant mutations HCV is difficult to create a vaccine against hepatitis C.

How is chronic hepatitis C

Chronic viral hepatitis Hepatitis - the scourge of our time   C refers to diseases that are transmitted by the parenteral (bypassing the gastrointestinal tract) in a manner that is in the blood. HCV can get into the blood of a healthy person in his blood transfusion hepatitis C patients during medical procedures or in the dentist's office (if properly handled tool) during manicure, pedicure, tattoo and so on. But most people are infected with hepatitis C, injecting drug abusers who use a syringe.

Not excluded and sexual transmission, and HCV transmission from mother's milk, but in this case one of the conditions of infection is the presence of micro-traumas of the genitals or nipples. Transmission from mother to fetus is also possible, but is more common in the injury of a further example, if the woman is held amniocentesis (puncture of the fetal membranes to take on the study of amniotic fluid). Real risk of infection from a sick child with hepatitis C the mother during labor and caesarean section does not eliminate this risk.

After the introduction of the organism HCV enters the liver cells (hepatocytes), multiplies and destroys them. Furthermore, under the structure is changed several HCV proteins hepatocytes, this leads to the fact that the immune system begins to perceive them as foreign and produces antibodies directed to their destruction. It is another mechanism of destruction of liver cells.

Symptoms of chronic hepatitis C

The disease is often asymptomatic and many patients are unaware of its presence. However, chronic hepatitis Chronic hepatitis - a diagnosis for life   C may also occur in waves, with periods of remission followed by periods of exacerbation.

Symptoms of acute exacerbations of chronic hepatitis C - a weakness, malaise, a significant reduction in capacity, lack of appetite. During an exacerbation of these symptoms may increase, they are joined by low-grade (with a slight increase) the temperature, sometimes pain in the right hypochondrium, nausea, vomiting, and violations of the chair. Sometimes there icteric staining of the skin and sclera, dark urine and feces discolored.

Beyond acute patients consider themselves healthy, however, some loss of appetite and weakness remain.

Treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

Treatment should begin at the beginning - so it is possible to prevent the development of chronic hepatitis. To do this, the patient must be hospitalized. He was appointed bed or polupostelny (depending on the state) mode, and health food (table number 5 or 5A). Drug treatment - this is primarily disintoxication therapy, i.e. administration of large volumes of drug solution to maximize excretion of hepatitis C viruses, their toxins and decomposition products of tissue.

Of great importance in the treatment of hepatitis C. Treatment of hepatitis C - not an easy task   given interferon - a medication containing a special protein produced by cells of the same tissue that is affected by the virus. Interferon is able to prevent the transition of the acute form of the disease into a chronic and significantly reduce the risk of developing cirrhosis of the liver.

Assign also drugs that protect the liver cells from any influences (hepatoprotectors) - Essentiale, Kars, and so on.

Prognosis of chronic hepatitis C is ambiguous, the disease often progresses to cirrhosis of the liver. The destruction of the liver slowly and after about 20-30 years formed cirrhosis, liver failure and death of the patient, if it is not performed a liver transplant. One indication of the formation of cirrhosis of the liver is the increase in stomach due to accumulation of fluid therein (ascites). Quite often, hepatitis C enters liver cancer.

Galina Romanenko

Hofitol - a drug of plant origin, which is able to improve the function of the liver, biliary tract and kidneys. It is not toxic, drug, which has few side effects and has few contraindications for use.

The mechanism of action Chophytol

Hofitol - a herbal preparation with choleretic and diuretic effect, improves the function of the liver, biliary tract and kidneys. Active ingredient of this drug is an aqueous extract of fresh leaves of an artichoke field. Available hofitol (manufacturer - the pharmaceutical company Phytopharm Rosa, France), in the following dosage forms:

• coated tablets - each tablet contains 200 mg of active principle;
• injection in ampoules 5 ml - 1 ml of solution contains 20 mg, and in ampoule - 100 mg of active principle;
• oral solution in bottles of 120 ml - 100 ml of a solution containing 20 g of active principle.

The mechanism of action Chophytol associated with inhibition of cholesterol synthesis without oppression of any other processes. Included in the existing active substances of plant origin bioactive polyphenolic substances (luteolin, tsinarin, caffeic, chlorogenic and ferulic acid) have a choleretic effect and a favorable effect on liver cells (choleretic and hepatoprotective effect). Furthermore, hofitol has antioxidant and diuretic effects, helps to reduce cholesterol levels by inhibiting its synthesis.

Some polyphenols have anti-inflammatory effect, increases the level of serotonin (an antidepressant, which is produced in the human body), inhibit the formation of uric acid, reduce blood pressure, education, and the release of histamine.

Furthermore, Hofitol Hofitol - has beneficial effects on liver function   contains various macro- and trace elements and vitamins: calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene (from it in the body produces vitamin A), vitamin B (B1 and B2) inulin. All of these substances contribute to the restoration of disturbed metabolism, including water and salt.

Inulin, by exposure to the products of their own metabolism to cell proteins activates the body's defenses (immune system) increases the absorption and utilization in metabolism Metabolism: The basis of life of all living things   macro- and trace elements (especially calcium), reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and restores a normal content of hormones involved in carbohydrate metabolism (insulin and glucagon).

Contained in artichokes biologically active substances seskviterpenlaktony improve kidney function, have a light diuretic effect, without warning while the body of potassium, increase the allocation of the end products of protein breakdown and other toxic products.

Indications and contraindications

Hofitol appointed under the following conditions and diseases:

• when biliary dyskinesia on the hypokinetic type - reducing motor activity of smooth muscles of the biliary tract, which is accompanied by stagnation of bile;
• in inflammatory processes in the gallbladder (chronic cholecystitis) and biliary ways (chronic cholangitis), if they are not accompanied by the formation of stones in the biliary tract;
• chronic liver disease - chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver;
• chronic kidney disease, accompanied by a decrease in their function.

Contraindications hofitol the formation of stones in the biliary tract (cholelithiasis), obstruction of the biliary tract, acute liver disease, biliary tract, kidneys and urinary tract. For tablets is contraindicated under the age of six years. Do not use hofitol as if you are hypersensitive to its components, the body of the patient.

Side effects Chophytol

Hofitol generally well tolerated. But it is possible and the emergence of side effects in the form of prolonged diarrhea. The most common side effect of developing a chronic administration Chophytol in high doses.

Perhaps the development of allergic reactions such as urticaria, angioedema and itchy skin rashes. Do not take hofitol with such lowering of blood clotting drugs like phenprocoumon, warfarin Warfarin - indirect anticoagulants   (indirect anticoagulants) - this reduces the therapeutic effect of the latter.

Hofitol - a plant-based drug artichoke leaf extract, which has beneficial effects on the liver and kidneys, as well as contributes to the restoration of disturbed metabolism Impaired metabolism .

Galina Romanenko