We are happy to report, Digestive Health Services, along with University of Chicago and Northwestern, have completed one of several clinical studies that has lead to FDA approval for the latest treatment for Hepatitis C infected patients. The new drug, Harvoni, a combination of Sofosbuvir and Ledipasvir, provides an amazing 90-100% cure rate of HCV infections, with minimal adverse events. There are many additional new therapies and advancements in the treatment of HCV, that will be approved soon.
With almost 2% of the US population (3-4 million) being infected with HCV, for the first time in medical history, HCV is now an easily curable disease. If you have any questions about testing or treatment, please call our office outside of Chicago, Illinois at 630.434.9312
Below we have transcribed the video of Dr. Rocky Yapp, Gastroenterologist.
What is Hepatitis C?
Hepatitis C is a chronic infection of the liver, that slowly over time leads to damage and destruction of the liver to Cirrhosis and premature death. The CDC estimates that there are approximately 3-4 million people infected with Hepatitis C and 15,000 people die every year from it. It’s the number one cause of liver transplants in the country. More people die from Hepatitis C than AIDS and Hepatitis C is the leading cause of death in AIDS patients. 3-4 million people are infected with Hepatitis C. That’s 2% of the population.
Who is at Risk for Hepatitis C
Well, we know that anyone who had a blood transfusion before 1992 are at increased risk. Healthcare workers who have been exposed or have had needle sticks from patients with Hepatitis C are also at risk. People who have tattoos or have experimented with intravenous drugs or nasal drugs, also have an increased risk of Hepatitis C. Many patients don’t have an identifiable risk factor for Hepatitis C. In fact, 75% of patients with Hepatitis C, don’t even know they have it. That’s why recently the CDC has recommended that all baby boomers born between 1945 and 1965, have a one time test for Hepatitis C.
Treatment for Hepatitis C
We’re very proud that Good Samaritan Hospital has been one of the few institutions in the country, that have been involved in the development of the new treatment for Hepatitis C. In fact, Good Samaritan Hospital is one of the few institutions in Illinois along with Northwestern and the University of Chicago, that were involved in the pivotal studies that got the treatment approved. Just this last Friday, Hepatitis C treatment was approved in all oral therapy, representing tremendous advance versus a therapy just a year ago that has severe and profound side effects, and had only a 40-60% success rate. Now we’re talking a 90-100% success rate. The treatment of Hepatitis C has been profound and Good Samaritan Hospital has been involved in leading the charge in the new treatments of Hepatitis C.