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Over time, chronic hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections can progress to advanced liver disease, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Unlike other forms, more than 80% of hepatitis C infections become chronic and lead to liver disease. When combined with hepatitis B, hepatitis C now accounts for 75% percent of all cases of liver disease around the world. Liver failure caused by hepatitis C is now leading cause of liver transplants in the United States.
Excessive alcohol use costs the country approximately $235 billion every year.
For pediatric patients, intravenous fluids are the most commonly cited products involved in medication errors that are reported to the USP.
Medication errors are more common among seriously ill patients than with those with minor conditions.
When blood is exposed to air, it clots. Heparin allows the blood to come in direct contact with air without clotting.