Consequences of chronic hepatitis C: a review article for the hematologist.
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been cloned, and assays capable of detecting antibody to HCV recombinant proteins (anti-HCV) have been developed. Concurrent with the cloning and development of the anti-HCV screening tests, trials with interferon alfa-2b have documented biochemical and histologic improvement in the indices of hepatitis C and non-A, non-B (NANB) in patients who were chronically infected. Subsequently, the anti-HCV assays and interferon alfa-2b have become clinically available. These new detection and treatment modalities can now be used in the management of hemophilics and other chronically transfused patients who bear great risk for blood-borne infections and manifest signs of chronic hepatitis.
Aledort
L M
LM
Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York City, NY 10029-6574.
D002908:Chronic Disease; D006405:Hematology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans