Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B : localised Hunter New England HealthPathways live now!

May 10, 2016 · by · in HNE LHD, News · Leave a comment

Please consult HealthPathways for up-to-date advice on patient management and referral pathways for active treatment.  If logon details for HP required, please contact aimed site administrator -jferguson@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au

Dr Josh Davis from Newcastle also provided these updates on viral hepatitis with clear messages for general practice – a good starting point.

Excerpt from Hepatitis C pathway: 

General practitioners can now prescribe direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for patients with chronic hepatitis C, depending on genotype, stage of disease, and previous treatments.

  • Treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) is rapidly evolving, and new medications are likely to be available, potentially as early as mid-2016, and are expected to be able to be used for genotypes currently without DAAs on the PBS.
  • Consultation with a specialist (Infectious Diseases Physician or Hepatologist) is required to prescribe medication for chronic hepatitis C in general practice, and can be obtained by remote consultation.
  • Ensure the patient is aware that:
    • clearing HCV, spontaneously or with treatment, does not constituent immunity to HCV.
    • HCV can be reacquired.

Hepatitis B Practice Point!

It is important to assess and manage chronic HBV early:

  • Six monthly surveillance is recommended.
  • Seek early advice if previously stable results change
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