APII223883221 - CME/CMLE - Hepatitis C-APII223883221

APII223883221 - Educational Activity
Pdf Summary
This educational commentary on Hepatitis C, authored by Dr. Pallavi A. Patil of Baylor University Medical Center, provides an in-depth overview of the hepatitis C virus (HCV), its pathology, transmission, diagnosis, and treatment. Hepatitis C is a bloodborne, hepatotropic virus that affects approximately 70 million people globally, often leading to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma. The virus shows significant genetic variability, which complicates vaccine development.<br /><br />HCV is primarily transmitted through blood and can be asymptomatic for years. Common transmission routes include intravenous drug use, multiple sexual partners, needlestick injuries, and perinatal transmission. Approximately 50% of infected individuals develop chronic HCV infection, which could present with fluctuating liver enzyme levels or symptoms like depression and fatigue. Chronic HCV can lead to severe complications, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, especially in patients with co-factors such as older age, co-infection with HBV or HIV, and alcohol consumption.<br /><br />Screening for HCV involves an initial anti-HCV antibody test, followed by HCV RNA testing for confirmation of active infection. Universal screening is advocated for adults over 18 and pregnant women to catch asymptomatic cases early. Further diagnostic measures may include liver fibrosis assessment through FibroScan or biopsy to determine liver damage.<br /><br />Treatment for HCV has seen significant advances with the development of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), which target specific proteins within the virus. These pangenotypic antivirals are highly effective, with sustained virological response rates between 80% and 90%. Monitoring during treatment includes viral load assessments and liver function tests. Despite the high success rate of current treatments, the cost of medication remains a burden in some regions.<br /><br />Overall, chronic HCV management involves routine monitoring and tailored treatment to prevent progression to severe liver disease. Effective antiviral therapy has made HCV a potentially curable condition, although the absence of an effective vaccine calls for continuous vigilance and preventive measures.
Keywords
Hepatitis C
HCV
pathology
transmission
diagnosis
treatment
direct-acting antivirals
chronic liver disease
cirrhosis
hepatocellular carcinoma