Hepatitis C virus.
Hepatitis C virus is a common blood-borne pathogen that is now declining as a new infection in the population. However, women and men who were infected 2 to 3 decades ago are now developing liver damage. To prevent further damage, treatment with IFN and ribavirin is available. Because of adverse events, this treatment requires close supervision over 6 to 12 months, which is often provided by a clinic nurse in collaboration with the physician and pharmacist. Educational outreach to the public and health care providers may help identify patients earlier and promote screening of high-risk groups.
Jarrett
Monica
M
Hepatology Department, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357266, Seattle, WA 98195-7266, USA. jarrett@u.washington.edu
Cox
Paula
P
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D005260:Female; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015995:Prevalence; D011788:Quality of Life; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012307:Risk Factors; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012737:Sex Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D016387:Women's Health
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D012254:Ribavirin