Hepatitis B-Treatment,Diet and more

Hepatitis B--Treatment,

Treatment: Acute Infection
At present, there are no specific treatments for benign acute viral hepatitis. Current therapy should be aimed to support and to maintain comfort. As with most forms of hepatitis, alcohol consumption should be minimized, if not eliminated altogether. This helps the liver recover. Use of adrenocorticosteroi ds, recommended by some, appears to have no effect curing the underlying disease. Furthermore, it appears that use of steroids in early treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may result in the development of a persistent infection. Therapeutic effectiveness of interferon use on the prognosis and course of acute HBV infection remain unknown.

Treatment: Chronic Infection
A number of elements has been used in the treatment of chronic HBV. The goals of treatment are three-fold: to eliminate infectivity and transmission of HBV to others, to arrest the progression of liver disease and improve the clinical prognosis, and to prevent the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Currently, there are several treatments being used. Interferon alpha use is most common, but now lamivudine (3TC), and others are being looked at as potential therapeutic agents. Combinations of antiviral drugs are being used with some success.

Antivirals: The following list includes those which are still in their experimental stages.

1. Acyclovir (Zovirax, Glaxo Wellcome)
2. Adefovir Dipivoxil (GS 840 - Gilead Sciences Inc)
3. Adenine Arabinoside (ARA-AMP)
4. Famciclovir (Famvir - SmithKline Beecham)
5. Ganciclovir (Ganciclovir IV-Roche-Syntex)
6. Lamivudine (3TC, Epivir, Zeffix - Glaxo Wellcome PLC)
7. Lobucavir - Bristol-Myers Squibb
8. N-Acetyl-Cysteine

Immune System Modulators:

1. Hepagene - Medeva
2. Interferon Alpha
3. Thymosin Alpha (Zadaxin - SciClone Pharmaceuticals)

Mixed Treatments:

1. Interferon Alpha + Famciclovir
2. Thymosin Alpha (Zadaxin) + Famciclovir
3. Thymosin Alpha (Zadaxin) + Lamivudine
None of these treatments can be called a cure. A true cure for this disease still remains elusive.

Alternative Treatments

Since there is no cure, many individuals have sought other sources of therapy for their damaged liver. Though many swear by these alternative treatments, they should be taken with caution. One should remember that though these alternative treatments come from natural sources, harmful side-effects may also follow. Most alternative treatments do not target the virus. They typically boost the liver's health.

1. Dandelion Root
2. Liquorice Root
3. Milk Thistle (Silymarin)
Selenium
4. Vitamin E

Healthy Diet

Eating a balanced and healthy diet will minimize any excess damage done to an infected liver and may even expedite liver recovery. It should be remembered that virtually everything we eat must pass through the liver.

1. Eat a well balanced and nutritious diet (i.e. food from each of the food groups).
2. Cut down on the intake of deep-fried and fatty foods.
3. Minimize or abstain (if possible) from alcohol consumption. Alcohol is detoxified by the liver and excessive alcohol consumption results in additional levels of liver damage.
4. Minimize your consumption of smoked, cured, and salted foods. Try using alternative seasonings when cooking (e.g. lemon juice, onion, vinegar, garlic, pepper, cloves, etc.).
5. MEAT, FISH, POULTRY & ALTERNATIVES TO MEAT provide protein, vitamin A, iron, vitamin B12, niacin, fiber, and thiamin. However, it has been stated by many physicians that consumption of meat and seafood should be reduced since digesting/processin g these forms of food can further tax the liver.
6. BREAD & CEREALS provide carbohydrates, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, and fiber.
7. FRUITS & VEGETABLES provide vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, and folacin.
M8. ILK & MILK PRODUCTS provide calcium, riboflavin, niacin, folacin, vitamin A, and vitamin B12..
8. Increased intake of high-fiber foods (i.e. fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain breads, rice, and cereals) is especially helpful in keeping one healthy.
9. Avoid uncooked or partly cooked food such as marjnated meat since it may carry harmful bacteria

Liver Transplants

Liver transplants are sometimes required by those with extensive liver damage due to viral (or non-viral) causes. However, there are many factors to consider before getting a liver transplant. First and foremost, transplantation is a complex operation that requires a suitable donor. Also, there is usually a long waiting list for those wishing to receive a transplant. Moreover, transplanting a liver into a chronically hepatitis B infected individual presents the likelihood that the newly transplanted liver may become reinfected unless certain preventive measures are taken like Hepatitis-B immunoglobin. Transplant operations tend to be relatively expensive procedures. Not all hospitals may be able to perform such an operation.Despite these problems, for some individuals, liver transplants may offer the only hope for a healthy life.

New Therapy of Hepatitis-B.
SciClone Pharmaceuticals today announced that results from the Company's Taiwan phase 3 trial published in Hepatology (May 1998) demonstrate that ZADAXIN(R) thymosin alpha 1 is effective and safe in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Importantly, the ZADAXIN complete virologic response rate (the conversion from both hepatitis B virus positive to negative and hepatitis B e antigen positive to negative) in the study continues to increase even when measured one year after the end of treatment.

The publication on the study's primary site data, written by Professor Yun-Fang Liaw, M.D. and his colleagues of the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan, included 98 Asian patients with chronic hepatitis B. At the start of the study, patients were randomized to receive 1.6 mg of ZADAXIN two times per week for 26 weeks, 52 weeks or no treatment. Patients were followed for a total of 18 months.

The publication highlights that patients receiving ZADAXIN showed:

Statistically significant increase in conversion from both hepatitis B virus positive to negative and hepatitis B e antigen positive to negative.
At the end of the study, 40.6% of patients receiving 1.6 mg of ZADAXIN twice per week for 26 weeks tested negative for both hepatitis B virus and hepatitis B e antigen (an immune response to the hepatitis B virus that can indicate long lasting remission of the disease) compared to 9.4% of patients in the control group, a statistically significant result (p=.004).
Statistically significant histological improvement. Patients responding to ZADAXIN showed statistically significant improvement in liver histology (inflammation of the liver) (p<.05), consistent with the ultimate goals of therapy for hepatitis B -- to prevent progression to serious liver disease, including liver cancer and cirrhosis

Experienced no significant side effects.
Professor Liaw and his co-workers, commenting on this recent Hepatology article, said: ``Thymosin alpha 1 is safe and effective in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. The thymosin alpha 1 response rate is statistically significant in the six month treatment group when compared to control. It also reduces liver inflammation. Thymosin alpha 1 therapy offers renewed hope in the fight against chronic hepatitis B.''

Hepatitis B is a potentially deadly liver disease and one of the most common causes of death in the world. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 350 million people, or 5% of the world's population, are chronic carriers of the hepatitis B virus in their blood. These carriers of the hepatitis B virus have a 200-fold increased chance of developing serious liver disease, including liver cancer, the most common cancer in the world, and cirrhosis. Currently, ZADAXIN and interferon (a drug that produces a sustained response in less than one third of Asian patients treated and causes debilitating side effects) are the only established therapies for hepatitis B in certain Asian markets, including the People's Republic of China.

SciClone markets ZADAXIN in the People's Republic of China, the Philippines and Singapore for the treatment of hepatitis B. The drug also has been approved in Peru and Kuwait for treatment of hepatitis B and in Argentina and Italy as an influenza vaccine adjuvant. SciClone's exclusive Japanese partner, Schering-Plough K.K., recently launched a Phase 3 study of ZADAXIN in Japan for hepatitis B. SciClone has 18 ZADAXIN hepatitis B marketing applications pending in Asia, Latin American and the Middle East. SciClone intends to file a ZADAXIN hepatitis B marketing application in Taiwan during the second quarter.

SciClone Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an international biopharmaceutical company that acquires, develops and commercializes specialist-oriented drugs for treating chronic and life-threatening diseases, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, cystic fibrosis, cancer and immune system disorders.

Hepatitis B Carrier Fact Sheet.

Hepatitis B Virus infects the liver. The virus is in blood, semen, menstrual blood and other body fluids.5 to 10% of adults and about 90% of babies who get hepatitis B will go on to "carry" or keep the virus for the rest of their lives. These people are called "hepatitis B Carriers". They may not be sick, but they can pass the virus on to others and make others sick with hepatitis B.

People who are hepatitis B carriers can lead normal, healthy lives Most hepatitis B carriers do not feel sick or look sick. However, carriers have a higher risk o becoming sick with liver disease and liver cancer. Carriers need to have the regular care of the doctor.

There are simple ways that hepatitis B carriers can stay healthy.

1.Do not drink alcohol, it can damage the liver.
2. Tell your doctor that you are a hepatitis B carrier; ask about any treatment or tests that might help.
4.Ask a doctor before taking any medicine, even herbal medicines or medicines that can be bought without a prescription (aspirin, for example)
5. Do not inject (shoot) drugs. This makes it easier to get two other types o hepatitis (hepatitis C & D) which also damage the liver. Get help form a drug treatment center to get off drugs.
6. Get vaccinated against hepatitis A. (different viral infection.)

There are things carriers can do to keep form infecting other with hepatitis B

1. The people who are in danger of getting hepatitis B infection from a carrier are people in close contact with the carrier. Anyone who has contact with blood, semen, or other body fluids of a carrier is a "close contact". Examples of close contacts are sexual partners, people living in the same hose as the carrier, and babies born to women who are carriers. Carriers should tell close contacts about their infection.
2.Pregnant women who are hepatitis B carriers should tell their doctor about their infection. It will be important to give the new baby shots after it is born to protect it form getting hepatitis B. it is okay to breastfeed if the baby is getting shots to protect it from hepatitis B.
3. Hepatitis B carriers who have sex should use a latex condom every time they have sex
4. Never share syringes or needles for ear and body piercing or for shooting drugs
5. Never donate blood, plasma, body organs, tissue or sperm, if you are a hepatitis B carrier.

People who are not close contacts are not at risk for getting hepatitis B. carriers do not have to talk about their infection with anyone that is not a close contact. It is okay to share meals with family and friends.

Vaccination and good hygiene can protect close infection with hepatitis B

1. There is a test to see if a person has beeninfect4ed with the hepatitis B virus. Close friends should see a doctor for this test.
2. A vaccine (shots can be given to protect people from getting hepatitis B. close contact should see a doctor to get these shots.
3. Never share anything that may have come in contact with the blood or body fluids of a carrier. Examples of things that should not be shared are cigarettes, toothbrushes, razors, scissors, nail files, or clippers.
4. Cover all cuts, blisters and open sores with a bandage.
5. Wash hands well, especially after touching blood
6. Wash and wipe up blood cells. Clean the area using a mixture of household bleach and water (1 ½ cups of bleach in a gallon of water) to kill the hepatitis B virus.

Pregnancy and Hepatitis B....

Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver. The virus, which is called hepatitis B virus (HBV), can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death.

"Chronic hepatitis B"

Chronic infection with HBV means that you have a long-term HBV infection; your body did not get rid of the virus when you were first infected with HBV. The risk of progressing to chronic infection is age dependent (i.e., 2% to 6% of people over aged 5 years; 30% of children aged 1-5 years; and up to 90% of infants). People with chronic infection can infect others and are at increased risk of serious liver disease including cirrhosis and liver cancer. In the United States, an estimated 1.25million people are chronically infected with HBV. If you are pregnant, should you worry about hepatitis B?Yes, you should get a blood test to check for HBV infection early in your pregnancy. This test is called hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). If you test HBsAg-negative early in pregnancy, but continue behaviors that put you at risk for HBV infection (e.g., multiple sex partners, injection drug use), you should be retested for HBsAg close to delivery. If your HBsAg test is positive, this means you are infected with HBV and can give the virus to your baby. Babies who get HBV at birth might develop chronic HBV infection that can lead to cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer. If your blood test is positive, your baby should receive the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine, along with another shot, hepatitis B immune globulin (called HBIG), at birth. The second dose of vaccine should be given at aged 1-2 months and the third dose at aged 6 months (but not before aged 24 weeks).

These are good questions to ask your doctor.
1. Has my blood been tested for hepatitis B virus?
2. Do I need hepatitis B vaccine?
3. Will you make sure that my baby gets hepatitis B vaccine at birth?

Ask your doctor to make sure your baby gets a shot called HBIG and the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine at birth. Once your baby has this shot, it is safe to breastfeed your baby. But it is also important to make sure your baby completes all the hepatitis B vaccine doses, and is tested to make sure he or she is protected.

Most newborns who become infected with hepatitis B virus do not get sick at first, but they have a 90% chance of developing lifelong infection. If your child gets infected, he or she can develop serious liver damage and might get liver cancer later in life. But there is good news! Hepatitis B is preventable with a very safe and effective vaccine. You can protect your baby for life by making sure he or she vaccinated beginning at birth.

Neither pregnancy nor breastfeeding should be considered a contraindication to vaccination of women. On the basis of limited experience, there is no apparent risk of adverse effects to developing fetuses when hepatitis B vaccine is administered to pregnant women. The vaccine contains noninfectious HBsAg particles and should cause no risk to the fetus. HBV infection affecting a pregnant woman might result in severe disease for the mother and chronic HBV infection for the newborn.

Hepatitis B-----Info.

Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver. Most adults who get hepatitis B have it for a short time and then get better. This is called acute hepatitis B. You can have hepatitis B and not know it. You may not have symptoms. If you do, they can make you feel like you have the flu. But as long as you have the virus, you can spread it to others.Sometimes the virus causes a long-term infection, called chronic hepatitis B. Over time, it can damage your liver. Babies and young children infected with the virus are more likely to get chronic hepatitis B.

What causes hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus. It is spread through contact with the blood and body fluids of an infected person.

You may get hepatitis B if you:
1. Have sex with an infected person without using a condom.
2. Share needles (used for injecting drugs) with an infected person.
3. Get a tattoo or piercing with tools that were not cleaned well.
4. Share personal items like razors or toothbrushes with an infected person.

A mother who has the virus can pass it to her baby during delivery. If you are pregnant and think you may have been exposed to hepatitis B, get tested. If you have the virus, your baby can get shots to help prevent infection with the virus.You cannot get hepatitis B from casual contact such as hugging, kissing, sneezing, coughing, or sharing food or drinks.

What are the symptoms?

Many people with hepatitis B do not know they have it, because they do not have symptoms. If you do have symptoms, you may just feel like you have the flu.

Symptoms include:
1. Feeling very tired.
2. Mild fever.
3. Headache.
4. Not wanting to eat.
5. Feeling sick to your stomach or vomiting.
6. Belly pain.
7. Diarrhea or constipation.
8. Muscle aches and joint pain.
9. Skin rash.
10. Yellowish eyes and skin (jaundice). Jaundice usually appears only after other symptoms have started to go away.

Most people with chronic hepatitis B have no symptoms.

How is hepatitis B diagnosed?

A simple blood test can tell your doctor if you have the hepatitis B virus now or if you had it in the past. Your doctor will also be able to tell if you have had the vaccine to prevent the virus.If your doctor thinks you may have liver damage from hepatitis B, he or she may use a needle to take a tiny sample of your liver for testing. This is called a liver biopsy.

How is it treated?

In most cases, hepatitis B goes away on its own. You can relieve your symptoms at home by resting, eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding alcohol and drugs. Also, find out from your doctor what medicines and herbal products to avoid, because some can make liver damage caused by hepatitis B worse.Treatment for chronic hepatitis B depends on whether your infection is getting worse and whether you have liver damage. Most people with chronic hepatitis B can live active, full lives by taking good care of themselves and getting regular checkups. There are medicines for chronic hepatitis B, but they may not be right for everyone. Work with your doctor to decide whether medicine is the right treatment for you.Sometimes chronic hepatitis B can lead to severe liver damage. If this happens, you may need a liver transplant.

Can hepatitis B be prevented?
The hepatitis B vaccine is the best way to prevent infection. The vaccine is a series of three shots. Adults at risk and all babies, children, and teenagers should be vaccinated.

To avoid getting or spreading the virus to others:
1. Use a condom when you have sex.
2. Do not share needles.
3. Wear latex or plastic gloves if you have to touch blood.
Do not share toothbrushes or razors.