Understanding & managing complex cases
Some complex situations you may encounter in caring for patients with viral hepatitis include co-infections of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, immunosuppression, understanding requirements around applications for student visas or migration, vulnerable patients without Medicare Cards.
Co-infections & Immunosuppression
- ASHM Testing Portal – Guidance on managing HBV, HCV and HIV co-infections, including multiple co-infections, immunosuppression and reactivation.
Hepatitis B and Immigration
- Hepatitis B Visa & Migration FAQ – LiverWELL
- Hepatitis B and Immigration – ASHM
- Hepatitis B and Immigration/Visa Issues – HepBCommunity.org
Hepatitis C - Special Populations
- Australian Recommendations for the Management of Hepatitis C Virus Infection: Special Populations
This section of the guidelines includes treatment of decompensated liver disease, treatment of HCV after liver transplantation, treatment of HCV in the setting of HIV coinfection, treatment of HCV in the setting of HBV coinfection, treatment of HCV in people with renal impairment and treatment of people with acute HCV infection.
Hepatitis C - Compassionate Access to Treatment for Patients without a Medicare Card
In some cases patients without a Medicare Card can access treatment through the Compassionate Access schemes offered by drug companies. It is best to contact the SA Health Viral Hepatitis Nurses for assistance if you have a patient in this situation.