What Is Hepatitis D?
A defective virus requiring concurrent hepatitis B infection to replicate, leading to more aggressive liver disease.
Why Do I Need Evaluation?
Test if you have chronic HBV and:
- Worsening liver enzymes
- Rapid fibrosis progression
How Should I Prepare?
- Blood tests: anti-HDV antibodies, HDV RNA, HBV panel.
- Imaging for fibrosis staging.
What Happens During Treatment?
- Limited options; peg-interferon alfa for 48 weeks, 20% response rate only
- Experimental therapies under trial, and not included in currrent treatment regimen.
What Can I Expect Afterwards?
- Variable response; some achieve viral suppression.
- Close monitoring for cirrhosis and HCC.
Risks & Possible Complications
- Flulike symptoms with interferon
- Low sustained response rates
Follow-Up
- Liver enzymes and HDV RNA every 3–6 months.
- HCC ultrasound every 6 months.
