Title : Liver cancer and cirrhosis as a complication of HCV infection - A case study
Abstract:
Introduction. Infection with hepatitis C virus (hepatitis C) is an important medical and social problem in Poland and worldwide. In Poland, approximately 2% of the total population is infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) (estimated at 730,000 people). HCV is an etiologic factor of chronic hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is a chronic disease which, when untreated, may lead to cirrhosis of the liver and/or primary liver cancer. The routes of infection with HCV are various types of damage (disruption) of tissue continuity, and contact with infected blood, e.g. medical procedures and occupational exposure).
Objectives:
1. The aim of the study was analysis of the personal medical history of a patient with hepatocellular cancer from the aspect of infection with HCV.
2. The aim of the study was analysis of personal medical records of a patient with cirrhosis from the aspect of its relation with HCV infection.
Methods:
Case I. A case of a 63-year-old patient is presented with the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (Carcinoma hepatocellular), who had undergone the procedure of thermal ablation of the pathological change in the liver. The patient was treated with chemotherapy on a daily basis; anti-HCV antibodies were detected. The research method was a retrospective case study; the technique – analysis of records (internal documentation of the Regional Hospital in Pionki, Poland; while the research tools – medical history with the results of diagnostic tests, the VAS scale and the Glasgow scale.
Case II. A case of a 36-year old patient was presented diagnosed with cirrhosis, admitted to the emergency department due to haemorrhage from the upper gastrointestinal tract. Anti-HCV an-tibodies were present. The method was a case study. The research technique was analysis of internal archive records of the University Clinical Centre of the Medical University of Warsaw, Poland. The re-search tool – case history with the results of diagnostic tests, visual analogue scale (VAS) measur-ing pain intensity, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, fluid balance chart, and an au-thor-constructed questionnaire to be completed by the patient.
Results:
1. Based on internal documentation of the hospital a case of a patient was described with severe abdominal pain due to hepatocellular carcinoma, who had been previously diagnosed with HCV infection. Physical examination was presented, as well as epidemiological interview, medical history, the course of diagnostics and treatment of the patient qualified for further ambulatory treatment in the oncology outpatient clinic.
2. Based on internal documentation of the hospital and patient medical records a case of a patient was described with gastrointestinal bleeding and cirrhosis, diagnosed with HCV. Physical examination was presented, as well as epidemiological interview, medical history, course of diagnostics and treatment of the patient qualified for follow up ambulatory care in the outpatient hepatology department.
Conclusions: An early diagnosis of infection with HCV, and implementation of antiviral treatment may prevent the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, cirrhosis of the liver. Health education of society is necessary from the aspect of risk factors of HCV infection in the medical environment, as well as in beauty salons and tattoo parlours.
