Treating viral hepatitis C: efficacy, side effects, and complications.
The treatment of hepatitis C has dramatically improved over the past decade. Unlike any other chronic viral infection, a significant proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis C can be cured. However, the current standard therapy--pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin--has its limitations. Limited efficacy in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 and the side effect profile will necessitate the development of new therapeutic approaches. This review describes the efficacy and optimisation of the current standard therapy of hepatitis C and its problems in special patient populations. New treatment directions beyond interferon alpha based therapies are on the horizon.
Manns
M P
MP
Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Medical School of Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany. manns.michael@mh-hannover.de
Wedemeyer
H
H
Cornberg
M
M
D000547:Amantadine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D012254:Ribavirin; D000547:Amantadine