What is Hepatitis D

Hepatitis D is a viral infection of the liver. This condition occurs only in people who also have hepatitis B.

What are the causes?

This condition is caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). The virus can spread:

• Through blood, such as from sharing needles, razors, toothbrushes, or other personal care items. Most cases of hepatitis D spread through blood.
• Through sexual contact.
• From mother to baby during pregnancy. This is rare.

What increases the risk?

Having hepatitis B makes you more likely to get hepatitis D. You are also more likely to develop hepatitis D if you:

• Inject illegal drugs, especially if you share needles.
• Share personal care items (such as razors or toothbrushes) with others.
• Live with or have sex with someone who has hepatitis D.
• Received a blood transfusion before 1987.
• Have not gotten the hepatitis B vaccine.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

• Fatigue.
• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Joint pain.
• Abdominal pain.
• Low-grade fever.
• Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice).
• Light-colored or clay-colored stools (feces).
• Dark-colored or dark yellow urine.
• Itchy skin.
• Skin rash.

In some cases, hepatitis D causes no symptoms.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed based on:

• Your symptoms and medical history.
• A physical exam.
• Blood tests to check for HDV.

How is this treated?

There is no cure for hepatitis D, but you can do things at home to manage your symptoms. In some cases, this condition may be treated by taking medicine that helps your body’s disease-fighting (immune) system fight your infection (biological therapy).

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Do not take medicines that contain acetaminophen unless your health care provider approves. Acetaminophen can damage your liver. Ask your health care provider for a list of medicines that you should not take.

Eating and drinking

• Do not drink alcohol.
• Eat less salt (sodium) to help keep your liver healthy.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about any other eating or drinking restrictions.

General instructions

• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
• Do not share needles, razors, toothbrushes, or other personal care items that might contain blood.
• Use condoms correctly and consistently when having sex.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
• If you inject medicine or get a tattoo, make sure that clean, germ-free (sterile) needles are used.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You develop a fever.
• You develop nausea or vomiting.

Get help right away if:

• You cannot eat or drink.
• You feel very confused.
• You become very sleepy or you have trouble waking up.
• You have worsening symptoms of liver damage, such as:
  • Itchy skin.
  • Yellowing skin.
  • Swelling in your legs.
  • More bleeding or bruising than normal.
  • Difficulty thinking clearly.
  • Difficulty sleeping.

Summary

• Hepatitis D is a viral infection of the liver. This condition occurs only in people who also have hepatitis B.
• The virus can spread through blood, such as from sharing needles, razors, toothbrushes, or other personal care items. It also can spread through sexual contact or from mother to baby during pregnancy.
• There is no cure for hepatitis D. Some cases may be treated with medicine that helps the body’s disease-fighting (immune) system fight the infection (biological therapy).