Re: Liver Disease

Posted By HFHSM.D.-dm on April 21, 1998 at 18:19:35:

In Reply to: Liver Disease posted by James on April 17, 1998 at 22:41:29:






We have heard that there are some people that have a liver disorder that when they eat raw oysters they can die. We would appreciate any information you may have on this topic including what type of symtons might occur.
Thank you for your time and information



  
Dear James:
I really enjoyed your question.  The main liver disease that is transmitted by raw oysters in the United States is hepatitis A.  Even though our government has a lot of good safeguards in place, periodically hepatitis A outbreaks are seen as a result of oyster contamination.  Hepatitis A is a virus that causes an acute hepatitis.  Over 99% of regular people who get hepatitis A get better on their own without any intervention on our part though they often feel pretty lousy until they do get better.  A small number of patients with hepatitis A (less than 1%) will die or need a liver transplant.  
However, if somebody has a chronically diseased liver from some other cause and then gets hepatitis A, they are more likely to have a bad outcome including death.  For this reason, we liver specialists (hepatologists) usually vaccinate our patients with chronic liver disease against hepatitis A.  So if you have a liver disorder and youve been vaccinated effectively against hepatitis A, you can go ahead and enjoy your favorite raw oyster bar.  If you have liver disease and havent been vaccinated against hepatitis A, you may want to discuss this with your physician.  
I hope this information is helpful to you. I would encourage you to contact us directly at Henry Ford if  you have additional questions or concerns [phone].
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation.  Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.