Treatment decisions and contemporary versus pending treatments for hepatitis C.
Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol
; 10(12): 713-28, 2013 Dec.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-24019151
ABSTRACT
The primary aim of antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is the prevention of progressive disease. A response to interferon (IFN) treatment is associated with an improvement in all-cause mortality and liver-related mortality from hepatitis C. Unless contraindicated, patients with CHC are thus potential candidates for treatment. Improved response rates are observed in patients with HCV genotype 1 infection treated with first-generation protease inhibitors. However, treatment with current first-generation protease inhibitors and IFN is complex and can result in appreciable adverse effects. The advent of potent, pan-genotypic all-oral direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens necessitates a critical examination of the immediate application of PEG-IFN, ribavirin and DAA regimens in patients with CHC. Current guidelines and position statements do not make clear recommendations, and are behind the emerging data. Some aspects of the conundrums facing physicians and patients are summarized in this Review. Cirrhosis presents an immediate threat of disease, and ideally treatment should be targeted at those patients who have advancing or advanced disease; unfortunately, a disparity exists, as response rates are reduced in patients with cirrhosis and the risks of adverse events are increased. On balance, patients with mild disease could consider deferring treatment.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Interferon-alfa
/
Quimioterapia Combinada
Tipo de estudo:
Guideline
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2013
Tipo de documento:
Article