Hepatitis A, B and C

The Hepatitis A, B, and C course provides a detailed exploration of these three distinct yet significant liver diseases. Presented by Dr. Alice Lam, this course is divided into five focused units to help healthcare professionals master the essentials of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Unit 1: Hepatitis A
This unit introduces the pathophysiology, epidemiology, and transmission of Hepatitis A, a viral infection primarily spread via the fecal-oral route. It covers high-risk populations, clinical features, and complications such as cholestatic hepatitis and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Diagnostic strategies, including serological testing, are discussed alongside supportive management and post-exposure prophylaxis. The unit emphasises vaccination and hygiene practices as critical prevention measures.

Unit 2: Hepatitis B
Dive into the complexities of Hepatitis B, a potentially chronic viral infection with significant global prevalence. This unit explains transmission routes, serological markers for diagnosis, and the phases of acute infection. It highlights the importance of vaccination, post-exposure prophylaxis, and tailored treatment approaches for at-risk populations, such as pregnant women and individuals with co-infections. The unit also explores preventive strategies, including community vaccination programs.

Unit 3: Chronic Hepatitis B
This unit focuses on chronic Hepatitis B, outlining its five clinical phases and the importance of ongoing monitoring. Key topics include assessing liver function, diagnosing fibrosis and cirrhosis, and managing complications such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Treatment strategies involve nucleoside analogues for long-term viral suppression and preventive measures for high-risk groups. This unit emphasises patient education, lifestyle modifications, and regular screening to improve outcomes.

Unit 4: Hepatitis C
Explore the epidemiology and clinical impact of Hepatitis C, including its primary transmission through bloodborne exposure. This unit details the risk factors, pathogenesis, and global genotypic variations of the virus. Diagnostic tools such as RNA testing and antibody screening are explained. Participants will learn how to identify at-risk populations and manage chronic infections to prevent complications like liver fibrosis and cancer.

Unit 5: Hepatitis C Treatment
The final unit focuses on modern treatment regimens for Hepatitis C, including direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). It covers patient assessment, treatment goals, and strategies for overcoming barriers like drug interactions and renal impairment. The importance of achieving sustained virologic response (SVR) is discussed, along with managing side effects and ensuring long-term patient adherence. This unit also highlights strategies for preventing reinfection and improving quality of life.

Through this course, participants will gain the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage Hepatitis A, B, and C, improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden of these diseases.