Resumen

IDROVO, Víctor. Therapeutic approach to hepatitis for virus C. Rev Col Gastroenterol [online]. 2006, vol.21, n.1, pp.33-37. ISSN 0120-9957.

Hepatitis C (HCV) is caused by a small RNA virus that belongs to the flaviviridae family that was identified in 1989. HCV produces acute hepatitis, which is self-limited in approximately 20 to 30% of cases. However, it will progress to chronic disease in 70 to 80%, with the potential risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after several decades of infection. Progression to cirrhosis is usually silent until complications of advanced disease develop, such as portal hypertension, liver insufficiency, and HCC. Treatment options for HCV have improved significantly in recent years, with sustained virologic responses that reach up to 60% if optimize adherence to therapy is achieved. The following article about HCV is a general and concise review about the epidemiology, natural history, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options for this viral infection.

Palabras clave : Hepatitis; qualitative PCR (polimerase chain reaction); viral load; genotype; liver biopsy; sustained virologic response; pegylated interferon; ribavirin; adherence.

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