Current therapy of chronic hepatitis C infection

Hepatitis C (HCV) is a major cause of end stage liver disease worldwide and a leading indication for liver transplantation. Current treatments can eradicate the virus and improve liver histology in certain patients. The current most efficacious treatment for patients with HCV is interferon combined with ribavirin, which eradicates the virus long-term in 35-40% of treated patients. For those in whom ribavirin is contraindicated, interferon alone may be used with successful viral eradication in approximately 15% of patients. Herein, we will discuss the current recommended initial treatment, indications and contraindications to therapy, workup and monitoring of patients during and after therapy, the side effects associated with treatment, the predictors of response, and the therapy response. Finally, we will discuss potential future treatment regimens that may lead to improved efficacy in the management of chronic HCV patients.