I have hepatitis C complicated by cirrhosis of the liver. What treatments are available?
Conventional remedy
Hepatitis C is a serious illness in which a viral infection attacks the liver. I presume you are under the ongoing care of both your GP and a hepatologist. This is especially important if the hepatitis has progressed to cirrhosis. Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver; cirrhosis implies destruction of the liver's architecture.
Hepatitis C is transmitted via blood products, such as those used in blood transfusions. It is a common infection of intravenous drug users and those with haemophilia. It has also been reported among patients undergoing dialysis for chronic renal failure.
The main treatment for hepatitis C is a drug called interferon, which is administered subcutaneously. Reports suggest a 55 per cent cure rate for patients with chronic hepatitis.
Fresh research, however, which is about to be published in the New England Journal Of Medicine, will show that patients with hepatitis C should be treated with interferon soon after they become infected. It will suggest that early treatment with the antiviral drug offers an increased opportunity of stopping the disease in its tracks.
If you are using complementary medical treatment, it is important that you inform your medical doctor about this. Equally, your alternative practitioner must be aware of the conventional treatments you are receiving.
Dr Muiris Houston
Alternative remedy
Hepatitis C, complicated by cirrhosis, is a serious medical condition, and complementary approaches should be considered in conjunction with, rather than as an alternative to, conventional medication.
In any chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis C or cirrhosis, natural approaches aim to support liver function and help to protect from further damage.
Individual advice from a dietician is particularly required in advanced disease with deteriorating liver function. Generally speaking, however, sufferers should reduce their intake of saturated fats, refined sugar and alcohol and increase their consumption of high-fibre foods, such as eggs, wholegrain cereals, legumes and fruits.
While not scientifically proven, foods such as garlic, tumeric, dandelion tea, ginger, broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts are believed to have a beneficial effect. The antioxidants in many of these foods may help to minimise damage to liver cells by free radicals.
An individual-selected supplement may include B vitamins, vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin E and selenium. Other supplements, such as choline and methionine, may also help liver function and improve detoxification.
Many herbs have traditionally been used to aid liver function. The most scientifically researched is milk thistle, which appears to improve liver detoxification and help to protect liver cells.
Homeopathic medicines are generally safe for those with chronic liver problems, but you should take advice before starting to take herbs that are potentially more harmful. Some supplements, such as vitamin A and iron, should be used cautiously.
There is little research into the use of acupuncture for hepatitis C or cirrhosis, and it is unlikely to have a prolonged affect on the condition. Supportive treatment for the liver and immune system may have some limited value, however.
Dr Brendan Fitzpatrick
Brendan Fitzpatrick is a medically qualified doctor who uses homeopathic remedies, acupuncture and dietary advice in his treatment approaches. He is a member of the Irish Medical Homeopathic Association (01-2697768)