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[Hepatitis C: clinical aspects, course and therapy]
1Fachbereich Gastroenterologie, Medizinischen Klinik, Städtischen Krankenanstalten Esslingen, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus, Universität Tübingen.
Insights
Hepatitis C is often asymptomatic and can lead to chronic liver disease in over 50% of cases. Early diagnosis via Anti-HCV and HCV-RNA is crucial, with limited success for Alpha-Interferon therapy in preventing chronification or treating chronic hepatitis C.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Clinical Medicine
Abstract:
Clinically, acute hepatitis C is an asymptomatic disease in up to 90% of cases. Transaminases fluctuate characteristically. Anti-HCV (RIBA-II) and HCV-RNA (PCR) are diagnostic early in the course of the disease. The risk of chronification is high, exceeding 50% of cases, irrespective of disease transmission (parenterally or sporadic). Alpha-interferon is applicated in pilot-studies to reduce the risk of chronification, with varying results. Chronic hepatitis C is an insidious disease. Again, most cases are asymptomatic. Bilirubin is normal. GPT-activity tends to fluctuate during the course. Anti-HCV and HCV-RNA can be detected in serum. About 20% of cases progress to cirrhosis (and HCC) after a long-lasting disease (20 to 30 years after infection). Alpha-Interferon therapy is successful in about 25% of patients.