Recent advances in hepatitis C.
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.
Cecil
B
B
Lavelle
M
M
D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007372:Interferons / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000821:virology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D007372:Interferons