Hepatitis C (cont.)
In this Article
What about liver transplantation for hepatitis C?
HCV is the leading reason for liver transplantation in the U.S., accounting
for 40% to 45% of transplants. HCV routinely recurs after transplantation and
infects the new liver. Approximately 25% of these patients with recurrent hepatitis
will develop cirrhosis within five years of transplantation. Despite these
findings of recurrence, the five-year survival rate for patients with HCV
is comparable to that of patients who are transplanted for other types of liver
disease.
Treatment for recurrent hepatitis is not a simple issue.
Interferon is an immune modulator (modifier) that may promote rejection of the transplanted
liver. Furthermore, interferon may not be well tolerated by patients who just
underwent transplantation and are taking many different kinds of medications.
What is the current research and what is in the future for hepatitis C?
As our awareness of HCV infection increases, more and more patients are being
diagnosed with this condition. Current research includes diagnosis, natural
history, treatment, and vaccine development.
- Diagnosis: More accurate tests are being developed to detect even smaller
amounts of the virus.
- Natural history: There is much we do not know about the natural history of
chronic HCV. Why do some people clear the virus spontaneously? What makes some
people develop cirrhosis when others appear to have little liver damage? What
predicts response to treatment or re-treatment?
- Treatment: New formulations of interferon are being
developed in the hopes of improving response rates. In addition, new agents are
being tested in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Some of
these agents, like telaprevir, inhibit protease enzymes that HCV needs in order to reproduce.
- Vaccine development: Scientists have not been able to develop an effective
vaccine against HCV. This is partly due to the ability of the HCV to change
(mutate) and evade the body's immune responses.
Next: Hepatitis C At A Glance »
- interferon - Describes the medication interferon (Roferon-A, Intron-A, Rebetron, Alferon-N, Peg-Intron, Avonex, Betaseron, Infergen, Actimmune, Pegasys), a drug used in managing many diseases that involve the immune system.
- Liver Blood Tests - Learn about liver blood tests used to detect liver damage disease such as fatty liver, cirrhosis, hepatitis, Tylenol liver damage, and more. This includes measuring the aminotransferases enzymes (AST and ALT levels)
- Diabetes - Learn about type 1 and 2 diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) symptoms including increased urination, thirst, weight loss, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin infections, and blurred vision. Causes and diagnosis information is provided in the information.
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