Treating histologically mild chronic hepatitis C: monotherapy, combination therapy, or tincture of time?
Article Abstract:
It may not be necessary to treat all patients with hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis C can eventually lead to liver cirrhosis, but this only occurs in 20% to 25% of patients. Patients who have no symptoms and very little liver damage are even less likely to progress to cirrhosis. Consequently, these patients probably do not need to be treated. Treatment with interferon-alpha has been disappointing and it may be better to wait for more promising treatments. These include ribavirin, interleukins, protease inhibitors and antisense nucleic acids.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Oral Thymic Extract for Chronic Hepatitis C in Patients Previously Treated with Interferon
Article Abstract:
An herbal supplement called Complete Thymic Formula does not appear to be effective in treating hepatitis C. Researchers randomly assigned 38 patients with hepatitis C who could not take interferon to take either Complete Thymic Formula or a placebo. Three months later, there was no difference in blood levels of the hepatitis C virus between the two groups. Viral levels in the patients taking Complete Thymic Formula were as high as they had been before the treatment.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Watchful waiting versus immediate treatment for mild hepatitis C
Article Abstract:
It may be cost-effective to begin treating patients with hepatitis C infection as soon as they develop mild hepatitis instead of waiting until they develop more severe liver disease. This was the conclusion of researchers who used computer models to determine the best time to begin treatment with interferon and ribavirin.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 2000
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Interferon-alpha for chronic hepatitis C: reducing the uncertainties. Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection: Treatment Strategies for the Next Millennium
- Abstracts: Working with families of forensic patients. Beware the power to coerce. Spiritual experience or religious psychosis
- Abstracts: Impotence. Sperm morphology, motility, and concentration in fertile and infertile men. Sex, hormones, and hysterectomies
- Abstracts: Placental production of estradiol and progesterone after oocyte donation in patients with primary ovarian failure
- Abstracts: Holding our hands up. Is rationing the only way forward for the NHS? Intensive pressure