DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY OF CHRONIC VIRAL-HE PATITIS

Recent advances in our understanding of viral hepatitis involve the di scovery and further characterization of the hepatitis C virus and the interferon treatment of patients with chronic viral hepatitis. Liver c irrhosis and primary hepatocellular carcinoma can develop after some y ears of disease. Interferon is the only effective treatment, which may improve symptoms and prognosis in some patients. Long-term responses with termination of viral replication are seen in 40% of patients with hepatitis B and 15-25% of patients with hepatitis C. In some patients complete elimination of the virus occurs. Higher response rates are a chievable in subgroups of patients with favourable prognostic constell ations. Patients have to be informed about side-effects and risks of i nterferon therapy. Treatment in uncomplicated cases is performed on an outpatient basis. The present paper reviews diagnosis, indications, c ontraindications and practical considerations concerning interferon tr eatment in patients with chronic viral hepatitis.