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Diagnosis and management of chronic hepatitis C
1First Department of Medicine, University Medical School Pécs, Pécs, Hungary. apar@clinics.pote.hu
Insights
Diagnosing chronic hepatitis C involves virological, biochemical, and histological tests. Current treatment combines interferon with ribavirin, while prevention relies on screening and public health measures, as no vaccine is available.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) poses significant global health challenges.
- Accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and robust prevention strategies are crucial for managing HCV infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the key aspects of diagnosing, treating, and preventing chronic hepatitis C.
- To highlight current diagnostic markers, therapeutic options, and preventive measures for HCV.
Main Methods:
- Diagnosis relies on detecting hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies and RNA via PCR or branched DNA.
- Biochemical tests assess liver activity, while liver biopsy aids in pathological grading and staging.
- Treatment review includes interferon (IFN) and the combination therapy of IFN with ribavirin.
Main Results:
- CHC diagnosis is confirmed by virological markers (anti-HCV, HCV RNA) and supported by biochemical and histological findings.
- Combination therapy with interferon and ribavirin is now the preferred treatment for both new and relapsed CHC patients.
- Effective prevention strategies include screening high-risk populations and blood donors, alongside public health initiatives, as a vaccine is not yet available.
Conclusions:
- Integrated diagnostic approaches are essential for identifying CHC.
- Interferon and ribavirin combination therapy represents a significant advancement in CHC treatment.
- Preventing HCV transmission necessitates ongoing screening and public health interventions due to the lack of a vaccine.
Abstract:
This mini-review is devoted to the main questions of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Diagnosis of CHC is based on virological, biochemical and histological findings. The etiology of CHC should be proven by the presence of antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) and detection of viral nucleic acid (HCV RNA), using qualitative and quantitative polymerase chain reaction or branched chain DNA techniques. Serum aminotransferase levels can reflect the biochemical activity of liver disease, while biopsy is very important in the grading and staging of the pathological process. The generally accepted treatment of CHC is interferon (IFN); however, recently, the combination of IFN with the oral nucleoside analogue ribavirin has become the therapy of choice, not only for relapsers but also for naive patients. Prevention of hepatitis C by vaccination is not yet available. Screening blood donors and members of high risk groups, as well as ensuring good public health measures, are imperative to inhibit the spread of HCV.