Hepatitis C-Everything a Primary Care Physician Needs to Know About Diagnosis, Management, and Follow-Up

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects over 58 million people globally, posing a significant public health challenge.
• Historically, HCV management was limited to specialists, but direct-acting antiviral therapies have transformed treatment accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To underscore the critical role of primary care physicians (PCPs) in the diagnosis and management of HCV in the United States.
• To equip PCPs with essential knowledge for effective HCV patient care, aiming for HCV elimination.
• To review current HCV epidemiology, risk factors, natural history, treatment regimens, complications, cost-effectiveness, and follow-up guidelines.

Main Methods:

• This manuscript provides a comprehensive review of key aspects of Hepatitis C virus management.
• It synthesizes current evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of chronic HCV infection in adults.
• The review also addresses the cost-effectiveness of HCV treatment strategies.

Main Results:

• Direct-acting antiviral therapies have revolutionized HCV management, making it more accessible.
• Primary care provider involvement is essential for achieving HCV elimination goals, particularly in underserved populations.
• PCPs require foundational knowledge on HCV epidemiology, risk factors, natural history, treatment, and complications to effectively manage patients.

Conclusions:

• Primary care physicians are pivotal in the US strategy to reduce the burden of HCV and work towards its elimination.
• Empowering PCPs with comprehensive HCV knowledge facilitates broader patient access to diagnosis and treatment.
• Effective HCV management by PCPs, including understanding cost-effectiveness and follow-up care, is key to achieving public health goals.