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Hepatitis C in the elderly: epidemiology, natural history, and treatment

Ayse L Mindikoglu1, Ram R Miller

  • 1Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201-1595, USA. amindiko@medicine.umaryland.edu

Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology : the Official Clinical Practice Journal of the American Gastroenterological Association
|December 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C affects millions globally, with older adults over 65 being an understudied group. This review covers the epidemiology, natural history, and treatment of chronic hepatitis C in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Public Health
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) is a significant global health issue, impacting approximately 3% of the world's population.
  • An estimated 170 million individuals worldwide live with chronic hepatitis C.
  • HCV infection poses risks for developing cirrhosis (10-20%) and hepatocellular carcinoma (5%).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the epidemiology of chronic hepatitis C in older adults.
  • To discuss the natural history of hepatitis C in individuals over 65.
  • To examine current treatment strategies for chronic hepatitis C in the elderly population.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of epidemiological data.
  • Analysis of natural history studies focusing on older patients.
  • Synthesis of clinical trial and real-world data on hepatitis C treatment in adults aged 65 and above.

Main Results:

  • Older adults represent an understudied demographic in hepatitis C research.
  • Treatment efficacy and safety data in this age group are less robust compared to younger populations.
  • Specific considerations for managing hepatitis C in older adults are highlighted.

Conclusions:

  • Older adults with chronic hepatitis C present unique challenges in management.
  • Further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols for this growing demographic.
  • Addressing hepatitis C in older populations is crucial for improving global public health outcomes.

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