Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Hepatitis C

This mini-review is devoted to the main questions of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Diagnosis of CHC is based on virological, biochemical and histological findings. The etiology of CHC should be proven by the presence of antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) and detection of viral nucleic acid (HCV RNA), using qualitative and quantitative polymerase chain reaction or branched chain DNA techniques. Serum aminotransferase levels can reflect the biochemical activity of liver disease, while biopsy is very important in the grading and staging of the pathological process. The generally accepted treatment of CHC is interferon (IFN); however, recently, the combination of IFN with the oral nucleoside analogue ribavirin has become the therapy of choice, not only for relapsers but also for naive patients. Prevention of hepatitis C by vaccination is not yet available. Screening blood donors and members of high risk groups, as well as ensuring good public health measures, are imperative to inhibit the spread of HCV.