Natural History of Hepatitis C

Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2015 Dec;44(4):717-34. doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2015.07.003. Epub 2015 Aug 25.

Abstract

Hepatitis C infection is a common cause of cirrhosis and indication for liver transplantation in the United States. The incidence of chronic hepatitis C has been declining, but rates of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma are projected to increase. The outcome of chronic hepatitis C is variable. It is estimated that 20% to 25% will develop cirrhosis over a 25-year to 30-year period. The rate of disease progression is influenced by many host, viral, and environmental factors. Few can be modified.

Keywords: Chronic hepatitis C; Cirrhosis; Decompensated liver disease; Fibrosis; Hepatitis C virus; Natural history.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / epidemiology
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / virology*
  • Disease Progression
  • Hepacivirus / genetics
  • Hepatitis C / complications*
  • Hepatitis C / epidemiology
  • Hepatitis C / physiopathology
  • Hepatitis C / virology
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / complications
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / epidemiology
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / physiopathology
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / virology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Liver Cirrhosis / epidemiology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / virology*
  • Liver Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Liver Neoplasms / virology*
  • Risk Factors
  • United States / epidemiology