title: Natural History of Hepatitis C.
abstract: Hepatitis C infection is a common cause of cirrhosis and indication for liver transplantation in the United States. The incidence of chronic hepatitis C has been declining, but rates of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma are projected to increase. The outcome of chronic hepatitis C is variable. It is estimated that 20% to 25% will develop cirrhosis over a 25-year to 30-year period. The rate of disease progression is influenced by many host, viral, and environmental factors. Few can be modified.
authors.affiliation: Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 9B-16, 10 Center Drive, MSC 1800, Bethesda, MD 20892-1800, USA.
authors.forename: Shilpa
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lingala
authors.affiliation: Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 9B-16, 10 Center Drive, MSC 1800, Bethesda, MD 20892-1800, USA. Electronic address: marcg@intra.niddk.nih.gov.
authors.forename: Marc G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Ghany
mesh_terms: D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology*; D018450:Disease Progression; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000821:virology; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology*; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
keywords: Chronic hepatitis C; Cirrhosis; Decompensated liver disease; Fibrosis; Hepatitis C virus; Natural history