St. Vincent Medical Center Opens Innovative Clinic To Fight Hepatitis

Main Category: Liver Disease / Hepatitis
Article Date: 15 Nov 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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In a unique effort to fight hepatitis in the greater Los Angeles area, St. Vincent Medical Center has opened the Asian Pacific Liver Center (APLC), the only clinic in Southern California dedicated to the prevention, detection and treatment of hepatitis, with special emphasis on the high rate of disease in the Asian-American Community.

While the APLC is ready to diagnose and treat all forms of hepatitis, it is especially focused on preventing and treating hepatitis B, a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) that can lead to liver cirrhosis and cancer.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 1.25 million Americans are already chronically infected with HBV. Between 5,000 and 6,000 Americans die of HBV-related liver complications each year. The disease rate is especially high for people of Asian descent. As many as one in 10 Asian Americans is infected with HBV, with most infections occurring at birth or during early childhood.

"The Asian Pacific Liver Center at St. Vincent Medical Center is addressing a very serious community health concern," said Tse-Ling Fong, M.D., program director of the APLC. "Hepatitis B presents a unique challenge because it does not present any symptoms in the early stages and many chronically infected individuals are undiagnosed until the disease is very advanced. There is also a lot of misunderstanding of how the disease is transmitted, with many people unaware that they may have contracted the virus from their mother when they were born."

Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with blood and bodily fluids. Most adults are able to fight off an HBV infection and clear the virus from their blood. This may take up to six months. During the time that the virus is present in their blood, infected individuals can pass the virus on to others. Chronically infected people are at increased risk for liver problems later in life.

"While the high infection rates are a great cause for concern, it is important for people to realize that hepatitis B infection is treatable," said Ho Bae, M.D., medical director of the APLC. "The first step is knowing your status to find out if you have the hepatitis B virus. If you aren't infected, there is a vaccine that can protect you. If you do have the virus, you need to be evaluated and begin treatment if necessary."

The staff of the APLC is reaching out to the community to raise awareness about hepatitis B, offering educational materials and blood screenings at churches, community centers and local health fairs. Patients seeking screenings can also make an appointment at the clinic. Results of all screenings are communicated directly to the patient or referring physician. For patients testing negative, the APLC offers vaccinations. For patients testing positive, comprehensive treatment plans are developed and put into action.

"It is very important that we take a comprehensive approach to this challenge," said Cathy Fickes, president and CEO of St. Vincent Medical Center. "The scope of the APLC extends beyond the hospital campus to reach the people who need this care. It is a powerful example of the hospital's mission made visible in the community."

For more information about the Asian Pacific Liver Center at St. Vincent Medical Center, including scheduling a screening or community education event, call 1-888-236-APLC (2752).

About St. Vincent Medical Center

Providing compassionate healthcare for those who need hope and healing has been the mission of St. Vincent Medical Center for 150 years. Located just west of downtown, St. Vincent is a world-renowned, 347-bed state-of-the-art facility offering comprehensive medical services, including acute, tertiary and primary care. St. Vincent Medical Center is part of the Daughters of Charity Health System, a nonprofit healthcare system spanning the California coast.

St. Vincent Medical Center