Many of our compatriots suffering from complex diseases prefer treatment in Israel. Hepatitis C is one of the most dangerous pathologies that is difficult to treat. In leading medical institutions in Russia, they can boast of dynamically improving statistics of cases of recovery from this ailment, but still, if possible, most try to undergo therapy abroad. According to reviews, treatment in Israeli clinics is a real chance for healing from hepatitis C and a return to normal life.
How are foreign patients treated
In Israeli clinics specializing in the treatment of liver diseases, adhere to a consistent program. First, the patient is in the country and gets acquainted with the attending physician. A specialist hepatologist conducts an examination, examines the findings on the patientās hands, the results of tests, instrumental studies and appoints a second examination, but within the walls of an Israeli clinic.
Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of hepatitis C take place in several stages and under the strict supervision of specialists. Patients with ready-made examination results are consulted by the leading hepatologist of the medical center. The decision to choose an individual therapeutic program is taken jointly by several specialists in order to exclude the likelihood of a medical error.
The first stages of treatment, which usually last several weeks, the patient goes through in Israel. If doctors note a positive trend and improved well-being, the patient is released to his homeland - the remaining period of therapy, he will go on an outpatient basis at home, following the instructions of the doctors. A few months after completion of treatment, the patient will need to undergo a re-diagnosis. This follow-up examination will demonstrate the results of therapy.
What you need to know about this disease
Viral hepatitis C is considered one of the worst diseases of mankind. From year to year, the disease takes the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. The popular name for hepatitis C is āgentle killerā is fully justified, because from this disease a person dies imperceptibly. If the virus infects the liver, it may not manifest itself for years and decades, and then it suddenly and rapidly activates, resulting in cirrhosis or a malignant tumor.
The structure of the DNA of the virus is adapted to survive in any conditions, at any temperature. This microorganism is constantly being modified and modified, as a result of which drugs and developments against the disease quickly lose their effectiveness.
The infection is transmitted through wounds on the skin or even minor damage to the mucous membranes. The risk of contracting hepatitis C exists with unprotected intercourse, as well as with dental, cosmetic procedures, manicures, pedicures, tattoos and piercings. The largest number of infected people is found among drug users who use non-sterile syringes for drug injection.
Diagnostic Plan
Examination of patients with hepatitis C in Israeli clinics is carried out according to the basic scheme, but using innovative approaches. Diagnostic measures are carried out in stages:
- The first stage is blood tests confirming the presence of virus antibodies in the blood. Upon receipt of a positive result, specialists must carry out a control test, which will put an end to this issue. This study is also called viral load.
- After the presence of the virus in the patientās body is confirmed, another laboratory test will be required to identify the hepatitis C strain.
After clarifying the viral status of the patient, he is assigned the tests necessary to assess the functioning of the liver. Fibrotest is a comprehensive screening, the results of which can give an objective assessment of the state of the gland. To clarify the localization of the affected structures, they often resort to fibroscopy - a method that is similar to ultrasound, as well as MRI and CT, necessary to exclude a cancerous tumor.
General principles of therapy
If the results of the studies do not leave any doubts about the diagnosis, hepatitis C treatment should be started immediately. In Israel, the therapeutic program depends on a number of factors, in particular:
- patient age;
- viral load;
- genotype of infection;
- concomitant pathologies;
- general condition of the patient.
The chances of recovery decrease as the disease progresses. In Israel, hepatitis C treatment has been successful several times, even in the later stages. In addition, in some cases, doctors may find therapy inappropriate due to the onset of irreversible processes, but this does not mean that the patient will not be helped in Israel. Highly qualified palliative medical care is provided to terminal patients here.
Hepatitis Virus Techniques
Therapy for a disease called a āgentle killerā takes place exclusively in a hospital setting. Patients with a chronic form of the disease are placed in a specialized hepatological department of the medical center.
In order to cure hepatitis or at least halt its progression, a whole range of therapeutic measures are carried out in Israel aimed at suppressing a pathogenic infection in the body. The main principles of treatment:
- protection and restoration of affected gland cells;
- elimination of intoxication syndrome and improvement of the general well-being of the patient;
- strengthening immunity;
- prevention of cirrhosis.
Treatment in the best clinics in Israel guarantees the achievement of positive developments. Specialists of leading medical institutions have at their disposal advanced developments for the treatment of viral hepatitis - effective antiviral drugs, drugs to protect liver cells, interferon species to form a powerful immune response. According to reviews, treatment in Israeli clinics also involves the use of the latest expensive antiviral drugs, Victrelis, Telaprevir, etc. The cost of one package of such drugs starts from 65 thousand rubles.
In addition, an individual program of additional treatment is developed for each patient. For example, with a chronic form of pathology in Israel, they have increasingly begun to introduce a method for deforming the DNA of a virus, which has already proved its effectiveness. To restore the lost function of the gland with extensive liver damage, they resort to organ transplantation or stem cell transplantation.
Features of the appointment of drugs
The treatment of viral hepatitis not only in Israel, but also in other countries, including Russia, is a comprehensive multicomponent program. Therapy includes a course of intensive antiviral exposure, which is carried out under the supervision of professionals. Once the activity of hepatitis is suppressed, embark on a program to restore the affected liver tissue.
The purpose of the rehabilitation part of the program is to reduce or eliminate inflammatory processes, prevent the development of cirrhosis and reduce the concentration of the virus in the body, if its complete elimination is impossible. The basis for the treatment of hepatitis C in Israel are drugs based on human interferon-A, immunomodulators, corticosteroids and new-generation antibiotics. Therapy programs are developed individually for each patient.
Over the past few years, Israeli doctors have made a real breakthrough in hepatitis therapy. Not so long ago, medical treatment of hepatitis was based on the use of only interferon and āRibovirinā drugs. Today, drugs are effectively combined with peg-interferon, which gives the best result, helps patients achieve long-term stable remission. Medicines are injected subcutaneously in the form of injections and given in tablet form, some of the drugs are taken daily, and others - weekly.
The effectiveness of this treatment regimen is at least 60%. This means that six out of ten patients with hepatitis C manage to achieve full recovery. In other cases, we are talking about stable remission, the duration of which will depend on the body's defenses, the patientās lifestyle and other factors that can inhibit the activity of the virus.
Most successfully treatable abroad hepatitis C of the second and third strains. To achieve a persistent virologic response, long-term complex therapy will be required for 12-18 months. The main part of this period, the patient may be at home, and fly to Israel solely for examination and change of treatment. Specialists will select new drugs in optimal dosages corresponding to the age, weight and immune status of the patient.
About innovations in the treatment of hepatitis C
Since 2014, the name of such drugs as Olissio and Sovaldi began to appear in medical protocols and case histories. These are the latest generation of medicines that have shown high results in laboratory studies and clinical conditions. "Olissio" and "Sovaldi" effectively affect the hepatitis C viruses of the first four types. According to unconfirmed reports, more than 85% of patients overcome the disease within 3-6 months of therapy. These drugs are an excellent alternative for patients with individual interferon intolerance and developing cirrhosis against the background of the active phase of hepatitis.
What are the side effects?
Patients who have been treated with hepatitis C abroad report serious side effects. In some cases, the patientās body reacted to antiviral drugs so painfully that doctors had to decide to interrupt therapy. An adverse reaction in the treatment of hepatitis can be:
- hair loss;
- weight loss;
- changes in indicators in blood tests;
- psycho-emotional disorders.
Any adverse reactions resulting from the use of aggressive drugs are reversible and pass without additional intervention after the completion of the therapeutic program. In Israeli clinics, specialists give patients valuable recommendations on how to stop side effects. Some of them imply a strict diet, which is selected by the clinic staff based on the patientās liver condition. The main principle that the patient should use when drawing up the diet is a complete rejection of fatty, sweet and salty.
Following the instructions of the attending doctor in the future, the administration of drugs will be carried out by patients at the place of residence. In order to avoid complications and the development of adverse reactions, the patient is recommended to keep in touch with the doctor over the phone or via Internet instant messengers.
How much is the course of treatment
The average cost of diagnostic and treatment procedures in Israeli clinics is in the range of $ 400-3000. The price of a full course of therapy can vary significantly in different medical centers. As in any other foreign institutions, tariffs in Israel are quite high, but due to an increase in the production of generics, which are popular all over the world, there is a tendency to reduce the cost of the treatment of antiviral diseases, including hepatitis C. Generics are produced in India, this cheaper analogues of the latest drugs. The main drawback of affordable medicines is that they are not of the highest quality.
The best treatment for hepatitis C today involves the use of drugs based on peg-interferon. By the way, it is not always expensive. Depending on the type of virus and the condition of the liver, the total cost of therapy starts at $ 2000. In severe cases, about 100 thousand dollars may be needed to treat hepatitis.
Best hepatitis C clinics, patient opinion
The medical centers of this country use the latest methods of diagnosis and treatment of the disease. The most popular clinics where Russians are successfully treated are:
- "Slaves."
- Sheba.
- "Assuta."
- "Sourasky."
- "Shaarei-Zedek."
- Wolfson
- "Herzliya Medical Center".
- Hadassah.
The huge trust of foreign tourists who underwent hepatitis C therapy in Israel enjoy the names of such doctors as:
- Yov Luria, head of the Shaare Zedek branch.
- Ziv Ben Ari, Leading Specialist, Hepatology Center at Sheba Clinic.
- Oren Shibolet (Surasky Medical Center).
Local experts do not stop there and continue to look for new, more effective ways to influence the virus, develop methods for stopping adverse reactions due to synthetic interferon and preserving its properties.
For several years, one of the best results in the treatment of hepatitis C has been demonstrated by the Assuta clinic.
Here, innovative approaches to the fight against viral hepatitis are actively developed and put into practice. It is worth noting that the Government of Israel supports the activities of absolutely all clinics. Hepatitis C treatment is an important area in the development of medicines, the creation of the latest technologies. Close attention is paid to the condition of medical centers, their organizational and technical equipment. The Ministry of Health of Israel monitors the work of not only state, but also commercial medical institutions.