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Viral Hepatitis Reviews
Hepatitis C Virus: Eight Years Old
Robert G. Gish, Johnson Y. N. Lau
Purpose: To review the current literature available on Hepatitis C including
pertinent clinical information on diagnosis and treatment.
Data Sources: Journal articles published between 1980 and 1995 using keywords
indexed in MEDLINE and EXERPTA MEDICA as well as the authors' own publication
files including Hepatitis C, non-A non-B hepatitis, interferon, immunology,
transmission, and treatment.
Clinical articles were reviewed that described the diagnosis, epidemiology,
immunology, natural history, and treatment of hepatitis non-A non-B and Hepatitis
C. Approximately 1.8% of the United States population is infected with the Hepatitis
C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C infection results in a systemic disease that affects
organs other than the liver and may be associated with disabling symptoms. An
estimated 20% to 30% of patients infected with HCV will develop end-stage liver
disease. HCV-related cirrhosis is the leading indication for liver transplantation
in the United States. Advances in laboratory techniques have led to the development
of a variety of diagnostic tests to evaluate patients for HCV infection. Only
a portion of patients with chronic Hepatitis C respond to interferon-alfa. Further
data are required to define the best dose and duration of interferon treatment
as well as the long-term beneficial effects of interferon for the treatment
of chronic HCV infection. Conclusions: HCV is a major health problem in the
United States and many other countries. Although the natural history of HCV
infection is now better defined and a number of excellent diagnostic tests are
now available, our understanding of the pathogenesis of HCV infection is limited
and therapy for HCV infection is unsatisfactory.
Keywords:Hepatitis C virus; diagnosis; treatment
p 17-37
Volume 3 Number 1, March 1997
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