Archives

fulminant liver disease – sudden, rapid disease progression related to liver failure.

free radical – a chemical produced after a molecular reaction, often containing oxygen, that has one ‘free’ unpaired electron on its outer surface. This makes it able to react and damage other cells, and perhaps increase progression of cardiovascular disease, …

Fibroscan – a non-invasive ultrasound scan that measures the ‘elasticity’ or stiffness of the liver. i-Base video of a FibroScan on YouTube.

fibrotest – a test which uses results from blood tests to predict liver damage and which may become an alternative option to liver biopsy in some patients.

SVR (sustained virological response) – having a negative HCV viral load test 6 months after stopping HCV treatment. The response, 6 months after treatment is stopped, determines whether treatment has been effective in terms of clearing HCV. SVR is the …

EVR (early virological response) – a 99% (2-log ) drop in HCV viral load after 12 weeks of HCV treatment.

ETR (end of treatment response) – having an undetectable HCV viral load at the end of HCV treatment. See SVR.

epoetin-alpha (EPO) – a treatment for anaemia, given by injection. Used to reduce side effect of hepatitis C treatment.

encephalopathy – degenerative brain function or disease

cryoglobulinemia – increased blood levels of abnormal proteins called cryoglobulins that can inflame blood vessels and thicken blood.

fibrosis – mild to moderate scarring of the liver (see cirrhosis)

cirrhosis – severe scarring of the liver (see fibrosis) that makes it difficult for the liver to carry out its functions

biopsy – taking a small sample of body tissue for examination and testing in the laboratory.

bilirubin – a liver enzyme. Increased levels of bilirubin lead to a yellowing of the skin or eyes. Bilirubin and side effects

bile duct – a tube that carries bile from the liver to the gallbladder and then to the small intestine biopsy: taking a small sample of body tissue for examination and testing in the laboratory

autoantibody – abnormal antibodies produced against the body’s own tissues.

ascites – an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, a sign of serious liver damage in people with hepatitis C.

antioxidant – a substance that reduces oxidative damage (damage due to oxygen) such as that caused by ‘free radicals’

albumin – a protein made by the liver. It carries drugs, hormones and waste products through the blood and maintains fluid levels within the body. An abnormally low level of albumin is a sign of serious liver damage.

haematology – study (-ology) of blood (haema-)