title: Recent advances in hepatitis C.
abstract: Nearly 2% of Americans are infected with the hepatitis C virus, resulting in 8,000-10,000 deaths each year. The virus can be eradicated with interferon plus ribavirin in about 40% of patients treated for one year. Patients with a history of intravenous drug abuse or transfusion before July 1992 should be screened for hepatitis C, as should members of other high-risk groups. Infected patients should be counseled and if possible offered treatment. This will prevent unnecessary deaths from liver failure and hepatocarcinoma.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Cecil
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lavelle
mesh_terms: D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007372:Interferons / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000821:virology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D007372:Interferons