title: Newly diagnosed hepatitis C. Lack of symptoms doesn't mean lack of progression.
abstract: Hepatitis C is the most common liver disease currently seen in clinical practice. Many patients remain asymptomatic until decompensation occurs. Lack of symptoms and minor liver enzyme elevations are typical of HCV infection and cannot be taken as evidence of lack of progression. HCV RNA testing confirms the diagnosis. Liver biopsy helps assess disease activity and stage the severity of fibrosis and is recommended for most patients with hepatitis C. Once this information is obtained, a rational program for treatment and monitoring can be planned. Patients with newly discovered hepatitis C infection require thorough education about the disease's natural history, transmission, interaction with alcohol, and treatment. In many cases, referral to a gastroenterologist or hepatologist may be the appropriate way to ensure necessary instruction and availability of the latest treatment options.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine 65212, USA.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Trivedi
mesh_terms: D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins