[A pluridisciplinary point of view of hepatitis C virus infections].
Various complementary actors are implied in the management of HCV infections: virologists, general practitioners, hepato-gastroenterologists and hospital residents, and they should all cooperate together. The role of biologist is crucial in assisting the practitioners in the choice of examinations to be prescribed for the diagnosis of HCV infections (search for RNA HCV), in establishing a prognosis and in deciding on the therapeutic strategy (genotyping, Fibrotest and Actitest). The role of the general practitioner is important at all stages of the management. The practitioner's involvement is also crucial in the recognition and follow-up of the concomitant diseases. THE ROLE OF THE SPECIALIST: The hepatologist, together with the general practitioner, are inseparable partners in the management of a patient suffering from hepatitis C. The specialist should only see patients exhibiting hepatitis C who are participating in a treatment program, since the indication for treatment is usually decided on by the specialist. The hepatologist should be informed of the various concomitant diseases and the treatments (replacement therapy or others) prescribed for them. CRUCIAL QUESTIONS: For the management of an HCV infection, in general 3 questions require an answer: who should be screened for such infections, what explorations should be performed in the case of positive serology and what follow-up is required during and after anti-HCV treatment?
Halfon
Philipe
P
Département de virologie, Laboratoire Alphabio, Marseille. alphabio@wanadoo.fr
Ouzan
Denis
D
Cattan
Laurent
L
Cacoub
Patrice
P
D005762:Gastroenterology; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011379:Prognosis