Management of accidental exposure to hepatitis C virus.

The risk of hepatitis C virus transmission after an exposure to blood shoul d be considered in each situation. Serologic status of the patient source i s evaluated A follow-up with dosage of anti-HCV antibodies and ALT is initi ated when the serologic HCV status of the patient source is positive or unk nown. There is no prophylactic treatment for hepatitis C with current antiv iral drugs. Nevertheless, in case of acute hepatitis, an early treatment wi th one or two drugs is established in a specialized setting, The follow-up lasts six months. (C) Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.