The Gastroenterology and Hepatology Program provides advanced treatment for hepatitis and other virus-related liver diseases. Our Hepatitis Clinic is one of only two locations in Wisconsin offering specialized care for people with hepatitis B and C. 

A highly experienced, multidisciplinary team, including a nurse specializing in hepatitis treatment, delivers exceptional care to more than 1,000 patients with viral hepatitis each year. 

Our team of experts conducts research to study the effects of new drugs and treatments that can improve outcomes for patients with hepatitis and other liver diseases.

Viral Hepatitis Causes Inflammation of the Liver

Hepatitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis can have many causes, the most common being viral hepatitis B and C. These blood-borne infections can lead to advanced liver disease in some people. 

  • The hepatitis B virus is found in the blood and certain body fluids. It is spread when a person who has not been vaccinated against hepatitis B contacts the blood or body fluid from an infected person. It is commonly spread through unprotected sex with an infected person, sharing needles with an infected person, needle stick exposures on the job (as in health care), or from an infected mother to her baby during birth. Vaccination is available for hepatitis B. 
     
  • Hepatitis C virus is found in the blood and certain body fluids. It is spread in similar ways as hepatitis B, when blood or body fluid from an infected person enters another person’s body. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

Hepatitis Treatment

Effective treatment is available for viral hepatitis. Hepatitis B can be treated with interferon-based therapies as well as medications that prevent the virus from reproducing. Treatment results depend on the patient, the amount of virus present in the body and the extent of liver damage.

Hepatitis C usually is treated with a combination of the drugs interferon and ribavirin. More than 50% of patients are able to clear the virus from their body with these drugs. 

Hepatitis C Frequently Asked Questions

  • Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus. Hepatitis C can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, long-term illness. Hepatitis C is often described as “acute,” meaning a new infection, or “chronic,” meaning a long-term infection.

  • Many people who have hepatitis C do not have symptoms, and more than half of people who become infected with hepatitis C virus will develop a chronic infection. Untreated hepatitis C can cause liver failure and liver cancer. Hepatitis C is the most common reason for liver transplantation in the United U.S. It’s important to treat hepatitis C if you have it.

  • People can be exposed to hepatitis C by sharing drug-injection equipment, having sex with an infected person, getting unregulated tattoos or body piercings and sharing personal items like glucose monitors, razors, nail clippers, toothbrushes, etc. It can also be shared through blood transfusions or organ transplants and during birth.

  • Yes. Regular testing is recommended for people who currently inject drugs and share needles, syringes or other drug-preparation equipment and for those currently getting maintenance hemodialysis.

  • Yes, the CDC recommends you get tested for hepatitis C during every pregnancy. The CDC also recommends that if you have hepatitis C, your baby should be tested as early as two months old.

  • A blood test, called an HCV antibody test, is used to find out if someone has ever been infected with the hepatitis C virus. This test looks for antibodies, which are proteins released into the bloodstream when someone gets infected with the virus that causes hepatitis C. People who have positive or reactive HCV antibody tests are given a follow-up nucleic acid test (NAT) for HCV RNA to learn if they have an active infection.

  • After exposure to the hepatitis C virus, it can take 8–11 weeks for an HCV antibody test to be reactive/positive. For most people who are infected, the HCV antibody blood test will become positive about 10 weeks after exposure. The test for hepatitis C virus, a special kind of blood test called a nucleic acid test (NAT) that detects HCV RNA (also called a PCR test), can tell if a person is infected within one to two weeks of exposure. If you think you were exposed to hepatitis C within the past six months, please let your care team know.

  • Yes. For people with hepatitis C, it is common for liver enzyme levels to go up and down, sometimes returning to normal or near normal. Some people with hepatitis C have liver enzyme levels that are normal for more than a year, even though they have chronic liver disease.

  • You might get your test results through the Froedtert & MCW app or MyChart after you leave the emergency department. If you have questions about your hepatitis C test or results, please contact your doctor. If you don’t have a primary care doctor, please call 414-777-7700 to request an appointment. You can also search our online directory to find a doctor to meet your needs and view the scheduling options from their profile. You can also call 262-257-3393 to schedule an appointment with the Pamela Parker Community Outreach Health Clinic, which serves uninsured or underinsured patients.

  • Your test results could come back negative, meaning you have not been infected with the hepatitis C virus. If the results come back as “positive or reactive,” we will do additional testing in the lab to determine if you have a have an active infection or if your body cleared the infection previously. You do not need to come back for this additional testing.

Nationally Ranked by U.S. News & World Report

Froedtert Hospital is nationally ranked in gastroenterology and GI surgery by U.S. News & World Report. 

Virtual Visits Are Available

Safe and convenient virtual visits by video let you get the care you need via a mobile device, tablet or computer wherever you are. We'll assess your condition and develop a treatment plan right away. To schedule a virtual visit, call 414-777-7700.

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