| Theme | Acute Liver Injury ： Drug-induced and Viral Liver Injuries | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Hepatitis C | |
| Publish Date | 2010/10 | |
| Author | Eiji Tanaka | Department of Medicine (Gastroenterology), Shinshu University Hospital |
| [ Summary ] | Patients with acute hepatitis C rarely develop fulminant hepatitis, but usually develop chronic hepatitis. Once chronic hepatitis is established, fibrosis of the liver progress gradually. Patients with chronic hepatitis C are known to be at risk for developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma during the long term clinical course of this condition. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody assays can detect the vast majority of patients with persistent HCV infection. However, the assay method is not useful for early diagnosis of acute hepatitis C because the appearance of antibodies is often delayed. For that reason, detection of HCV RNA or HCV core antigens is required. Interferon therapy before the development of chronic hepatitis is quite useful in preventing chronicity. The therapy should be started within 8 weeks after the onset of acute hepatitis C in patients with genotype 1 HCV infection. A total of 24 weeks interferon administration is recommended for these patients. Simultaneous use of ribavirin is not essential. In patients with genotype 2 or 3 HCV infection, it is recommended that interferon therapy be started within 20 weeks of onset and continue for 8 to 12 weeks. |
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