Dr Randhir Sud, Chairman, Gastroenterology , Institute of Digestive and Hepatobiliary Sciences, Medanta, Gurugram explains that testing and diagnosis are the entry points for preventing and treating viral hepatitis. Early detection enables the patients to receive appropriate care and treatment. Early identification of the disease also facilitates in preventing further progression of the disease
Hepatitis is a global public health concern that affects millions of people every year. In India, more than 40 million people are infected by hepatitis B and up to 12 million are infected with hepatitis C. Hepatitis infections are the major causes of chronic liver disease. Viral hepatitis is an infectious disease caused by widespread hepatitis viruses, namely, type A, B, C, D, and E. The condition can lead to inflammation of the liver, and can progress to liver fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer. Early testing and diagnosis are crucial for both prevention and treatment of the disease.
However, there are certain challenges in hepatitis testing, including cost in-vitro diagnostics, limited testing facilities, stigmatisation of those infected with the disease, lack of guidelines on hepatitis testing, and lack of awareness. In recent years, there has been significant advancements in hepatitis diagnosis. Several innovative approaches have transformed the testing and treatment of viral hepatitis. Such developments in diagnostics lead to improved patient outcomes.
Testing and diagnosis are the entry points for preventing and treating viral hepatitis. Early detection enables the patients to receive appropriate care and treatment. Early identification of the disease also facilitates in preventing further progression of the disease. Proper awareness and knowledge of the liver disease are necessary in order to actively tackle hepatitis. Timely intervention is also beneficial in reducing the risk of transmission.
Advances in hepatitis diagnosis
The advent of rapid point-of-care tests helps in early diagnosis of viral hepatitis, facilitating timely intervention and treatment. Serological testing is a cornerstone of hepatitis diagnosis, which enhances the accuracy of detecting Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C antibodies. Further, molecular techniques such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) enable the quantification of viral material and direct detection. This helps in generating targeted therapies based on the assessment and risk of disease progression.
While liver biopsy is a traditional method for assessing liver damage, it is invasive and has certain limitations. Non-invasive methods, such as transient elastography (FibroScan) and Magnetic Resonance Elastrography (MRE) have emerged as improved alternatives. These help healthcare specialists in evaluating the liver and guiding treatment decisions. Additionally, the use of non-invasive liver fibrosis techniques has significantly reduced the need for liver biopsies. These methods have not only improved the comfort of patients, but also reduced healthcare costs.
Accurate and early diagnosis enables proper treatment, while reducing the risk of complications and further disease progression. The advancements in hepatitis diagnosis have optimised patient care and outcomes. Timely detection and intervention are pertinent to managing hepatitis epidemic and reducing new infections.
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