Chronic hepatitis c in the pandemic

Abstract

Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, affected all the world and has been a major cause for significant morbidity and mortality. COVID-19 represents with pulmonary manifestations, but in more than half of the cases, other organs, especially hepatic involvement, are observed. Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is an important public health problem worldwide. Sustained virological response (SVR) can be achieved and HCV-related mortality and morbidity can be prevented with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs), which have been used in recent years. However, if CHC is not diagnosed, it can cause cirrhosis and liver cancer. Since the diagnosis and treatment of these patients require follow-up, they are among the most affected chronic diseases during the pandemic. It does not seem possible to predict when the COVID-19 outbreak will end. Diagnosis and treatment need of CHC patients should be met in special areas where protection measures are taken in health institutions. In patients who undergo DAA treatment, the follow-up should be carried out by health institutions that do not provide pandemic services, and if necessary, telemedicine should be used.