Hepatitis C-related cirrhosis. Current status

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection impacts 150 million globally.
• HCV is a primary cause of liver morbidity and mortality, leading to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and end-stage liver disease.
• HCV cirrhosis presents significant clinical challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated review of hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhosis.
• To focus on the disease burden, diagnosis, follow-up, and treatment of HCV cirrhosis patients.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent advancements in HCV cirrhosis management.
• Analysis of disease burden and clinical outcomes.
• Synthesis of current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

• Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) offer highly effective HCV eradication in cirrhotic patients.
• DAAs significantly reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, liver decompensation, and mortality.
• Treatment is well-tolerated with minimal side effects in this population.

Conclusions:

• DAAs represent a paradigm shift in managing HCV cirrhosis.
• HCV eradication with DAAs improves long-term outcomes and reduces liver-related complications.
• Continued focus on diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment is crucial for this patient subgroup.