Treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection.
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature on the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.


METHODS
MEDLINE search (1986-December 1999) using key words such as HCV, hepatitis, non-A and non-B hepatitis, as well as terms regarding treatment during that time period.


RESULTS
HCV infection was initially treated with interferon monotherapy, but only a minority of patients responded to long-term therapy. A higher rate of response in both interferon-naïve patients and interferon-relapsers has been achieved by using the combination of interferon and ribavarin. Other treatment regimens including high-dose interferon protocols, ursodeoxycholic acid, amantadine, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs have been less promising. Many alternative therapies are being investigated.


CONCLUSIONS
HCV infection is a major public health problem. It is now possible to achieve a cure in nearly 50% of the patients with this infection. Many additional therapies are being evaluated in order to achieve a higher cure rate.
Malnick
S D
SD
Department of Internal Medicine C, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot Israel. stevash@trendline.co.il
Beergabel
M
M
Lurie
Y
Y
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007372:Interferons / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018962:Phlebotomy; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D012254:Ribavirin; D007372:Interferons