Children with cancer often receive blood and blood products
as part of their treatment. Today, the U.S. blood supply is
among the safest in the world. But, before the blood supply was routinely
screened for viruses, some blood products contained hepatitis virus, which can
cause infection of the liver.
What Is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an infection of the liver that makes it stop
working well. Most often, a virus causes the infection. The different types of
hepatitis are named after the viruses that cause them. For example,
hepatitis B is named after the hepatitis B virus that causes it.
The two main types of hepatitis that you can get from
receiving infected blood products are hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
Many people don’t have symptoms when they are first
infected. Some have flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, loss of appetite,
nausea, vomiting, or low-grade fever. Others have symptoms that suggest that
their liver is not working well. These include yellow eyes and skin (jaundice),
dark urine, severe itching, or pale stools. In rare cases, people may become
very sick and develop liver failure.
Hepatitis may go away and cause no further health problems.
But many people who were infected with hepatitis B or C as children have
chronic, or ongoing, hepatitis infection. People with chronic hepatitis may
have no symptoms, but they are at risk for liver damage. Signs of liver damage
include enlargement of the liver and spleen, swelling or collection of fluid in
the abdomen, yellow eyes and skin (jaundice), and problems with blood clotting.
In rare cares, liver cancer can develop.
Am I at Risk?
Screening of donated blood for hepatitis B began in 1971 and
the most accurate screening for hepatitis C began in 1992. If you received the
following blood or serum products before these dates you are at risk
for hepatitis.
- packed
red blood cells
- whole
blood
- white
blood cells
- platelets
- fresh
frozen plasma
- cryoprecipitate
- immunoglobulin
preparations
- bone
marrow or stem cells from a donor other than yourself
Other factors that raise risk for hepatitis B and C include:
- receiving
blood clotting factor made before 1987
- having
a solid organ transplants before 1993
- receiving
kidney dialysis for at least several months
- shooting
or snorting drugs
- body
piercing, tattoos
- sharing
razors, nail clippers, or toothbrushes with someone who has hepatitis
- workplace
exposure to blood and body fluids
- high-risk
sexual activity, such as having many sexual partners and not using a
condom)
Should I Be Checked for Hepatitis?
Survivors who are at risk for hepatitis B or C should have
blood tests to check for hepatitis virus infection.
What If I Have Hepatitis?
If your hepatitis infection doesn’t resolve, see a liver
specialist (hepotologist) for evaluation and possible treatment. In addition,
follow these tips to help prevent further liver damage:
- Tell
your health care providers about all over-the-counter medicine, herbs, and
supplements that you take.
- Don’t
drink alcohol.
- Avoid
over-the-counter pain or fever medicine that has acetaminophen (such as
Tylenol® or “aspirin-free” products).
- Talk
with your doctor about getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.
- Review
your hepatitis status with your healthcare providers, including your
obstetrician and child’s pediatrician if you are pregnant.
To prevent spreading hepatitis B or C to others:
- Don’t let your blood or body fluids come in
direct contact with other people.
- Clean any spilled blood or body fluids with
bleach.
- Cover cuts and open sores.
- Don’t share sharp personal objects, such as
razors, toothbrushes, nail clippers, ear or body rings, or any object that may
come in contact with blood.
- Use only new sterile needles for body piercing,
injections, tattoos, or acupuncture. Never share needles.
- Make sure all close household members and sexual
partners are screened for hepatitis B and have them talk with their doctors
about getting the hepatitis B vaccine.
- If you are sexually active, use condoms during
intimate sexual contact and ask your doctor if your partner should be tested
for hepatitis C.
What Can I Do to Keep My Liver Healthy?
You can help lower your risk for liver problems by keeping a
healthy lifestyle, such as:
- Drinking
plenty of water.
- Eating
a well-balanced, high-fiber diet. Cut back on fatty, salty, smoked, and
cured food.
- Taking
your medicine only as prescribed.
- Not
mixing drugs and alcohol.
- Avoiding
illegal drugs.
- Checking
with your doctor before starting any new over-the-counter medicine, herb,
or supplement.
- Avoiding
exposure to chemicals that can be harmful to the liver, such as paint
thinner and aerosol cleaners. If you must use them, wear a mask and gloves
and work in an area that is ventilated well.
For more information about your liver and how to keep it
healthy, read the related
Health Link: “Liver Health after Childhood Cancer.”
Flesch-Kincaid Grade
Level: 8.6
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