Hepatology Clinic

More than 130 million people in the world live with chronic Hepatitis C, a blood-borne virus that causes inflammation of the liver and, left untreated, can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer – even death.  In response to this community need, Iberia Medical Center has opened the Hepatology Clinic on the North Campus, overseen by local Gastroenterologist Dr. Son Nguyen.  

The CDC estimates 60,000 people in Louisiana are infected with chronic Hep C.  It can be contracted from blood transfusions received years ago, from ill-performed tattoos, the sharing of needles and sexual transmission.  People born between 1945 and 1965 are at higher risks and can go without symptoms for decades.  Standard blood tests do not detect the disease.  A specific screening for Help C is required.  The good news is that Hep C can be cured with medication.