Hepatitis C Guidance 2018 Update: AASLD-IDSA Recommendations for Testing, Managing, and Treating Hepatitis C Virus...

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

• The field of hepatitis C virus (HCV) management is rapidly evolving.
• Timely, evidence-based recommendations are crucial for healthcare providers.
• The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) established a web-based guidance system in 2014.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the major update to the AASLD and IDSA's HCV guidance released in September 2017.
• To highlight new or amended recommendations since the September 2015 publication.
• To focus on advancements driven by new direct-acting antiviral agents and expanded scope.

Main Methods:

• Development of evidence-based recommendations through a web-based process.
• Periodic updates to the HCV guidance website based on new therapeutic agents and research data.
• Recommendations formulated by volunteer hepatology and infectious disease experts from AASLD and IDSA.
• Peer review and approval by the governing boards of both societies.

Main Results:

• A significant electronic update to the HCV guidance was released in September 2017.
• The update incorporated recommendations related to newly approved direct-acting antiviral agents.
• The scope of the guidance was expanded to address evolving aspects of HCV management.

Conclusions:

• The 2017 HCV guidance provides updated, expert-vetted recommendations for managing hepatitis C.
• The guidance reflects the latest therapeutic advancements, particularly direct-acting antivirals.
• This resource ensures clinicians have access to current, evidence-based strategies for HCV treatment.