Advances in the treatment of hepatitis - C

Hepatitis C virus is an important cause of chronic and acute hepatitis and 90% of post transfusion hepatitis are of hepatitis C type. Diagnosis of HCV infection is based on clinical ground, lab test demonstrating hepatitis injury, anti HCV and confirmed by detecting HCV RNA by PCR. Use of interferon (IFN) in acute infection has shown to be useful. IFN therapy in chronic HCV infection for a period of 6 months gives a sustained virological response of 8-12% and treatment for 12 months increases it to 19-42%, while end of therapy (ETR) response is same that is 27-35% for both treatment duration. Sustained response is significantly higher when high doses i.e. 6 millions units, 3 times weekly or daily IFN regimen are used for 12 months. IFN and ribavarin or IFN and thymosin a-1 given in combination improves response rate and decreases side effects. There is no vaccine available for HCV so primary prevention is important. There is no role of post exposure prophylaxis with IFN.