[Changes in the management of patients with side effects from the treatment of hepatitis C]

Since hepatitis C can be treated more and more successfully, treatment should be considered in every patient. In some of the patients infected by viral genotype I, the duration of treatment can be shortened: 24 weeks instead of 48 weeks. Maintaining the optimal dosage of ribavirin and peginterferon alpha is of great importance for successful treatment. For this purpose, new guidelines are proposed with reference to the haematological side effects, recommending more restraint with the reduction of the dosage and treatment in case of complaints. Treatment with peginterferon alpha frequently causes psychiatric problems, particularly depressive symptoms that are sometimes severe. Adequate treatment and support, including the use of antidepressants, are necessary in such cases and are often effective.