Update on the management of hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C is common and most patients with hepatitis C will develop chronic hepatitis. A significant proportion of patients develop cirrhosis and there is a definite but unquantified risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE

This article examines the latest treatments available for hepatitis C.

DISCUSSION

Interferon alfa is the only currently proven treatment but recent trials suggest that combination therapy with Ribavirin improves sustained long term response rate. Patients should be counselled regarding the mode of transmission of the virus. Patients with cirrhosis should be screened for hepatocellular carcinoma and liver transplantation should be considered for patients with decompensated disease.