Treating viral hepatitis C: efficacy, side effects, and complications.

ABSTRACT: 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.

SUBMITTER: Manns MP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1860034 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature