Dr Iain Bruce of the Coffs/Clarence Liver Clinic has called on GPs to be diligent in screening patients who may have hepatitis C (HCV).
Dr Bruce said that although more than 500 patients had been successfully treated in the Coffs/Clarence region since the new direct-acting antiviral drugs became available, the number of patients coming forward for treatment had dropped off over the past six months.
He said that the new treatment – a tablet a day for 12 weeks – has negligible side effects and drug interactions are easily avoided using the Liverpool University UK website.
“I strongly recommend screening for HCV in the following groups: injecting drug users, people born in high-incident countries, Indigenous Australians and anyone born between 1945 and 1965.
“The symptoms of HCV are often subtle, mainly fatigue and their LFTs may be normal,” said Dr Bruce.
To screen, simply request FBC, UEC, LFT and HCV antibodies. If positive PCR for HCV and if positive HCV genotype. Then refer for an abdominal ultrasound and an ARFI scan.
Dr Bruce reminded doctors that hepatitis C was curable in the vast majority of patients but left untreated could result in liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma.
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we live and work, the Bundjalung, Arakwal, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr, Githabul, Dunghutti and Birpai Nations, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to elders past, present and future.
