2006, Number S1
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Ann Hepatol 2006; 5 (S1)
Module lV
Indications and contraindications for treatment of hepatitis C virus infections
Kershenobich D
Language: English
References: 13
Page: 22-23
PDF size: 31.43 Kb.
Text Extraction
Treatment indications All patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are considered prospects for antiviral treatment to prevent progression of liver damage to cirrhosis or hepatocarcinoma. The consensus is that such treatment must entail a combination of interferon alfa and rivabirin. Treatment is indicated for anti-HCV-positive, HCV RNA-positive patients with increased serum aminotransferase
levels and for whom there is histological evidence of chronic hepatitis, provided there are no specific contraindications. The following should be taken into consideration when deciding whether to initiate treatment: age, comorbidities, extrahepatic manifestations such as cryoglobulinemia and glomerulonephritis, and quality of life. It is important to note that decisions on whether treatment should be implemented must not be based on the way in which the CHV was acquired or the presence or absence of symptoms. Whether HCV genotypes or HCV RNA levels are valid indicators for treatment is the subject of debate.
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