Hepatology in Pune

Hepatitis is a condition marked by severe inflammation in the liver, often stemming from injury or infection. It is characterised by symptoms such as jaundice, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, indigestion, and nausea. Hepatitis is broadly divided into two categories:

1. Acute Hepatitis: This typically resolves on its own and can last about 6 months.
2. Chronic Hepatitis: Lasting longer than 6 months usually, this can progress to severe conditions like cirrhosis and liver failure if left untreated.

Exploring the Different Varieties of Hepatitis

Hepatitis manifests in various forms:

1. Autoimmune Hepatitis: This condition arises when the immune system attacks the liver cells, causing severe inflammation and swelling. It is not transmitted through direct contact but is thought to result from the immune system targeting the liver cells, often due to a genetic predisposition.
2. Hepatitis A: A short-term infection, rarely resulting in complications, and preventable through vaccination. Typically transmitted through the faecal-oral route, primarily via contaminated food, water, or close personal contact with an infected individual.
3. Hepatitis B: Lasting approximately 6 months, it can, in severe cases, lead to liver damage, cirrhosis, or cancer. Spread through contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, or from an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth; also transmitted through sexual contact and needle-sharing.
4. Hepatitis C: Characterised by long-term infection and often asymptomatic. In some instances, it can lead to cirrhosis, scarring, or cancer. Mainly transmitted through contact with infected blood, often due to needle-sharing among intravenous drug users, and less commonly through sexual contact or from an infected mother to her child.
5. Hepatitis D (Delta Hepatitis): Exclusive to individuals with Hepatitis B, as it requires the presence of the Hepatitis B virus for transmission. Primarily spread through contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids.
6. Hepatitis E: Caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV), it typically transmits through the faecal-oral route, often via contaminated water. It can also be transmitted through undercooked or raw pork.
7. Neonatal Hepatitis: An inflammation in the liver of infants aged 1 to 2 months, typically transmitted from an infected mother to her newborn during childbirth. However, it can also occur through other means such as breastfeeding or close contact with infected blood or body fluids.

How We Diagnose Hepatitis at Jupiter Hospital

Our team of hepatologists employs several diagnostic methods, which include:

• Physical examination
• Blood tests
• Ultrasound
• Transient Elastography
• MRI
• CT scan
• Liver biopsy

When it comes to treating hepatitis, our approach is tailored to the specific type of hepatitis and its stage of progression. We emphasise lifestyle modifications and medications. In cases of advanced liver damage, our experts may recommend a liver transplant.

The specialised team at our Hepatology hospital in Pune also focus on Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, commonly referred to as Hepatic Steatosis. This condition is characterised by an excessive accumulation of fat in the liver, mainly due to heavy alcohol consumption. Over time, it can lead to severe complications like liver enlargement, alcoholic hepatitis, and alcoholic cirrhosis.

Understanding Risk Factors

Alcoholic fatty liver disease is influenced by several risk factors, including:

• Obesity
• Malnourishment
• Personal history of chronic viral hepatitis
• Genetic predisposition

Effective Diagnosis and Treatment

Our approach to hepatic steatosis commences using accurate diagnosis, which may include the following:

• Evaluation of medical history
• Thorough physical examination
• Blood tests
• Ultrasound
• CT scan
• MRI
• Liver biopsy

The critical step in reversing alcoholic fatty liver disease is the decision to quit drinking. Furthermore, our team offers treatments, such as lifestyle modifications, weight loss, and a customised nutrition plan.

We also provide diagnosis and treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, commonly referred to as NAFLD. This term encompasses various conditions that result in the buildup of fat in the liver. The condition can progress to more severe forms, termed steatohepatitis or NASH (Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis). Most individuals with NAFLD do not manifest noticeable symptoms. However, children with NAFLD may experience abdominal discomfort and fatigue.

Key Risk Factors

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with several common risk factors, including:

• Obesity
• Insulin resistance
• Elevated blood sugar
• Increased triglyceride levels
• High cholesterol
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Sleep apnea
• Type 2 diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Hypopituitarism

Diagnosis at Jupiter Hospital’s Hepatology Treatment in Pune

Our dedicated team of hepatologists utilises a range of diagnostic techniques to precisely identify NAFLD, which encompasses:

• Blood tests
• Abdominal ultrasound
• CT scan
• Transient elastography
• MRI
• Liver biopsy

Our Hepatology treatment in Pune is tailored to address your unique needs. We emphasise effective management of NAFLD through healthy lifestyle modifications and, if required, prescribed medications.

Jupiter Hospital also covers liver disorders, and this includes autoimmune liver diseases. These diseases stem from immune system abnormalities and encompass various liver conditions. Three of the most common autoimmune liver diseases are:

1. Autoimmune Hepatitis: This condition involves liver inflammation due to the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy liver cells, influenced by various environmental and genetic factors.
2. Primary Biliary Cholangitis: This condition involves the gradual destruction of bile ducts in the liver, with a higher prevalence in women than in men.
3. Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: This condition is characterised by inflammation and scarring of both intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts, often leading to an unhealthy buildup of bile.

Accurate Diagnosis and Tailored Treatment

For the diagnosis of autoimmune liver diseases, a series of tests is carried out, which include:

• Anti-liver/kidney microsomal antibodies
• Anti-mitochondrial antibodies
• Antinuclear antibodies
• Anti-smooth muscle antibodies
• Serum IgG

Our team of healthcare professionals will determine the most suitable diagnostic approach based on your individual condition. The treatment of autoimmune liver diseases at our facility involves a personalised treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. It encompasses the use of medications and other therapeutic interventions for effective condition management.

We are dedicated to addressing a wide range of liver disorders, and this includes genetic liver diseases. These conditions are passed down through family generations and often require specialised treatment.

Exploring Genetic Liver Diseases

Genetic liver diseases encompass a group of conditions that are inherited via generations. Two of the most prevalent genetic liver diseases are:

1. Hemochromatosis: This condition is marked by the excessive accumulation of iron in the body, which can lead to severe damage in many tissues and organs. If it is left untreated, it can progress to cirrhosis or even liver cancer.
2. Wilson's Disease: This rare disorder is characterised by an excessive buildup of copper in the body, typically affecting individuals aged 5 to 35 years. The condition primarily manifests with symptoms related to both the brain and the liver.

Detailed Diagnosis for Hepatology Treatment

In the diagnosis of genetic liver diseases, our experts use a variety of diagnostic techniques, which include:

• Blood tests
• MRI
• CT scan
• Ultrasound

Comprehensive evaluation of personal and family medical history

We offer treatment for genetic liver diseases, which includes prescribed medication to effectively manage the condition. In severe cases, a liver transplant may become necessary, and our expert team will guide you through the process.

Jupiter Hospital is dedicated to delivering treatment for liver cirrhosis, a severe and end-stage liver disease characterised by extensive scarring in liver tissue. The damage incurred is permanent and irreversible, resulting in a progressive impairment of liver function.

Understanding the Condition

Liver cirrhosis hampers the liver's ability to efficiently perform its essential functions, making individuals more prone to complications, including bleeding. Common symptoms of cirrhosis encompass jaundice, itchy skin, edema, and ascites.

Primary Risk Factors for Cirrhosis

There are several risk factors associated with the development of cirrhosis, including:

• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Viral hepatitis
• High blood sugar
• Obesity
• Family history of liver disease

Process of Diagnosis

Our expert team employs a variety of diagnostic tools to accurately identify cirrhosis, which includes:

• Abdominal CT scan
• Abdominal ultrasound
• Elastography
• MRI
• Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
• Liver biopsy
• Liver function tests

While cirrhosis lacks a complete cure, our team provides hepatology treatment aimed at slowing disease progression and alleviating the symptoms.

The Hepatology department at Jupiter Hospital, Pune, prioritizes your liver health. They offer essential vaccinations to shield you from viruses that can cause liver damage. Here's an overview of the key vaccines available at our Hepatology department in Pune’s Jupiter Hospital:

1. Hepatitis A Vaccine: This vaccine safeguards against the Hepatitis A virus, which can cause acute liver infection. It's recommended for adults and children aged 1 year and older, especially those traveling to regions with high Hepatitis A prevalence. Typically, two doses are required for long-lasting protection.
2. Hepatitis B Vaccine: This vaccine protects against the Hepatitis B virus, which can lead to chronic liver infection, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. It's recommended for a broad range of individuals, including: infants, healthcare workers, individuals with chronic liver disease, and people with multiple sexual partners. The Hepatitis B vaccine series usually involves three doses.