| Theme | Prognosis of Liver Diseases | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Long Term Prognosis of Chronic Hepatitis C;Natural and after Interferon Therapy | |
| Publish Date | 1997/10 | |
| Author | Akihiro Iijima | 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine |
| Author | Kendo Kiyosawa | 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] | Chronic hepatitis C (CH-C) progresses slowly but steadily, and most cases ultimately develop liver cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Severity of chronic hepatitis, aging, alcohol consumption and male sex are predictive factors in the progression of LC and HCC, and HCV 1b genotype is an important virological factor. In Japan, as about 80% of HCC patients have hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, it is very important to prevent the progression from CH-C to LC and HCC. Recently, interferon (IFN) therapy has become popular as treatment for CH-C patients. IFN therapy will reduce the frequency of LC and HCC. | |