Hepatitis C: evolution of diagnosis and treatment

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.57148/bepa.2024.v.21.40303

Keywords:

Hepatitis C, Diagnosis of Hepatitis C, Treatment of Hepatitis C, Evolution of Hepatitis C

Abstract

Hepatitis C is one of the main causes of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is estimated that 58 million people have chronic infections with around 1.5 million new infections per year. In 2016, the WHO set the goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030, reducing new infections by 90% and deaths by 65%. This experience report aims to presente advances in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C in the period from 2000 to 2023 and discuss the challenges still present in achieving the WHO goal. The diagnosis of Hepatitis C involves the use of serological techniques for screening and molecular biology to confirm the diagnosis, in addition to evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment. The only treatment available until 2011 was the combination of pegylated interferon alfa and Ribavirin. The availability and evolution of direct-acting antiviral drugs since 2011 has contributed to advances in treatment, presenting high efficacy, a shorter period of therapy, fewer contraindications and few adverse effects. Even with these advances, only 20% of people living with Hepatitis C in the world have been diagnosed and 7% have received treatment. It is therefore concluded that to achieve the WHO goal, accessible and rapid diagnosis will be necessary, at the point of care, in addition to mass screening and treatment campaigns as part of the national surveillance program for this disease.

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Published

2024-04-29

How to Cite

1.
Allarcon GN, Lemos MF, Silva VCM, Constantino CRA, Compri AP. Hepatitis C: evolution of diagnosis and treatment. Bepa [Internet]. 2024 Apr. 29 [cited 2024 May 17];21:e40303. Available from: https://periodicos.saude.sp.gov.br/BEPA182/article/view/40303

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