Module 6: Discussion
Mike is a 23-year-old white male admitted for severe
depression. He has a history of bipolar disorder and is currently taking
valproate (Depakote) 500 mg XR daily. His psychiatrist ordered LFT’s to follow
the valproate therapy. LFT’s were abnormal: ALT 1178 u/L, AST 746 u/L. the
patient was asymptomatic. He denies fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or
jaundice. He denies using other medication or alcohol but admits using illicit
IV drugs starting about 8 weeks ago and continuing to present. He never had a
blood transfusion. Aside from Depakote he is presently taking clonazepam 1 mg
prn and fluoxetine (Prozac) 40 mg qd.
Other blood work: Direct bili 1 mg/dL, alkphos 188 u/L,
anti-HCV negative on hospital day 1, positive on day 3. HCV-RNA PCR positive.
Hep A, B, and D markers negative.
Patient diagnosis: Acute Hepatitis C.
1. List some clinical manifestations typically seen in
Hepatitis C and major treatment strategies.
