Done Kidney Transplant. Have Jaundice Due To Hep C Virus. Treatment For Such Cases?

Posted on Wed, 24 Oct 2012

Question: Hello Dr,

My uncle has done kidney transplant about 1 year ago and has been recovering well. But now he has been diagonised with jaundice due to Hep-C virus. The gastroenterologist is not recommending the dosage needed to reduce juandice, siting that it will affect the kidney. Is there a treatment/ medicines available for such case, if so could you suggest any medicines. Kindly help..

Regards, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Mayank Bhargava (11 hours later)

Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for posting your query.
Kindly send details of liver function test and genotype of Hepatitis C virus.
Treatment of Hep C is at times very risky. Although very good and effective medicines are available but treatment it self may deteriorate the condition of patient.
As your uncle is suffering from jaundice, so there is possibility of acute/ Chronic hepatitis.
Treatment of Hep c include ribavirin and Interferon. These 2 medicines at times may cause flu like symptoms or acute fulminant liver failure so treatment should be started once condition of your uncle is little bit stable.
You should also consult with gastro-physician .
Let me know your views also.
Best regards,
Dr. Mayank Bhargava

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mayank Bhargava (15 hours later)

Hi Dr. XXXXXXX

Thanks for your reply post. Very useful.

I have uploaded the reports of my uncle herewith. Please let me know if you have trouble seeing them.

I think it has the reports from liver function test (from August & Feb 2012) and medication details, please review and give your suggestions/recommendations and your view on his condition, as I am not quite sure about the criticality of the report.

The complication is that he has undergone Kidney transplantation a year ago and was recovering well, but then Hep-C is a shocker to the entire family. Please suggest about the vaccines available / in research.

Thanks for your great help in this tough time for us.

Thanks, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Mayank Bhargava (8 hours later)

Hi XXXXXXX
I am not able to see the reports and investigations.
Kindly send me on my e-mail id.
Dr. Mayank Bhargava

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mayank Bhargava (7 hours later)

Hi Dr. XXXXXXX

Please see if you can see the reports now.
Also, I didn't see your email ID in the website. Could you provide me the same please?

Sincerely, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Mayank Bhargava (2 hours later)

Hi,
I have seen your all sent details.
Your uncle is most likely suffering from chronic liver disease with cholestasis.
Ursocol is not a specific medicine for Hep C, while it is given to all patients of liver disease whether acute or chronic/ whether hepatocellular or obstructive jaundice.
You should ask for Ribavirin and interferons.
But the judgment for starting these medications is taken by your treating physician.
Take care,
Dr. Mayank Bhargava

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mayank Bhargava (2 days later)

Thanks a lot Dr. Very useful. I will follow up with him and contact you soon in case of further clarifications.

Thank you

Sincerely, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Mayank Bhargava (2 hours later)

OK XXXXXXX ji,
All the best,
Take care,
Dr. Mayank Bhargava

Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar