| Theme |
Intractable Infection in Hemodialysis Patients -- Current Diagnosis and Treatment |
| Title |
Recent treatments for hepatitis C viral infections |
| Author |
Chifumi Sato |
Department of Analytical Health Science, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University |
| [ Summary ] |
A high prevalence of hepatitis C viral infections is reported in patients receiving hemodialysis. Even if their blood chemistry tests show mild abnormalities, they may have accompanying chronic hepatitis. Treatments for hepatitis C have rapidly improved. Pegylated interferon or pegylated interferon plus rivabirin treatments have now become the treatments of first choice.
The pharmacodynamics of interferon in patients receiving hemodialysis are different from those in non-hemodialysis patients, and the dosage should be decreased by half. When interferon treatment is not suitable, they should be treated with strong neo-minophagen C® and / or ursodeoxycholic acid. Treatment of hepatomas should be carried out as with non-hemodialysis patients. |