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
Site Topics
HCV Symptoms
You'll find links to a comprehensive symptoms list, as well as various studies and discussions about Hepatitis C symptoms.
Lab Tests
What they are and what they mean. Helps you interpret & understand all the various hepatitis lab tests likely to be encountered.
Hepatitis C Genotypes
Learn about Hepatitis C Genotypes and their variants.
Viral Load
Provides detailed information on how to analyze and interpret viral load numbers as well as a link to a convenient Viral Load Chart.
What is...?
Learn more about various Hepatitis C related topics, including HCV, Ascites, Biopsies, and much more.
HCV Medicines
Numerous links to studies, info sheets, FAQs, and analysis of Ribavirin/Rebetron medicines.
Glossary
Commonly used medical terms and definitions.
Hepatitis C Doctors
A state-by-state and worldwide reference listing physicians who treat HCV, including an email link to submit your physician for inclusion.
Biopsy Info
A comprehensive resource of information relating to the liver biopsy.
Cirrhosis
Many discussions and analyses of cirrhosis, including causes, complications, pathology, symptoms, and much more.
Liver Cancer
Liver Cancer/Hepatocellular Carcinoma studies, info sheets, FAQs, and analysis.
Liver Disease Medicines
An exhaustive list of links to studies, info sheets, FAQs, and analysis of the various drugs used to treat liver disease.
Hep-Central Email List
Sign up to learn about advances and breakthroughs in Hepatitis C research, including information about medical and complementary treatments.
HCV Links
Convenient links to other sites external to Hepatitis-Central.
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HCV Transmission
Information about the transmission of Hepatitis C.
HCV Natural Remedies
A number of herbal products useful in the management of liver disease.
HCV Books
Recommended reading for those interested in hepatitis information.
Hepatitis C Forum
A Bulletin Board for discussions on hepatitis, treatments, etc.
Hepatitis C Activism
An easy way to get involved in urging our government to do more for Hepatitis C awareness and treatment research.

