The role of obstetrician/gynecologists in the management of hepatitis C virus infection.
Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of liver disease-related death and is also the most frequent indication for liver transplantation in USA. Infected individuals can remain asymptomatic for 20 years or more, but they remain at risk for progressive liver disease. They also represent a potential source of infection for others. For reducing the future disease burden due to HCV, obstetrician/gynecologists and primary health care practitioners should be aware of the factors that promote HCV transmission: how to provide counseling and testing, and when specialist referral is needed.
Gonik
Bernard
B
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA. bgonik@dmc.org
D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology; D016174:Hepacivirus; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000635:transmission / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D009774:Obstetrics; D010819:Physician's Role; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000821:virology; D012307:Risk Factors