Hepatitis C Follow Up

Prognosis

Consequences of Hepatitis C Virus Infection  

Approximately 55-85% of patients who acquire acute hepatitis C will remain hepatitis C virus infected. Of these patients, 5-20% may develop cirrhosis over the next 20-25 years. Hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis is associated with the risk of developing end-stage liver disease (30% risk over 10 years) as well as hepatocellular carcinoma. In patients with persistent infection, the evolution to cirrhosis is the primary concern. This usually occurs ≥20 years after initial infection and occurs more often in patients at older ages (especially men), those who drink >50 g of alcohol/day, those who are obese or have substantial hepatic steatosis and those with HIV infection.