Natural history of chronic hepatitis C

Abstract

Globally it is estimated there are 200 million persons with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. The infection becomes persistent in 50-80 % of persons who are exposed to hepatitis C virus. Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus is a major cause of cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. The prognosis of chronic hepatitis C is highly variable and many host, viral and environment factors influence outcome. Approximately 25 % of persons with chronic hepatitis C will progress to cirrhosis over a 25-30 year period and be at risk for complications of end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Modeling data predicts that the number of individuals with cirrhosis is expected to double by 2030. Many of these individuals will be at risk for end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Could substantially reduce risk of cirrhosis, decompensation, cancer, and liver-related deaths.