Hepatitis C Virus Infection: A New Era

  • Santiago J. Munoz
  • Kenneth D. Rothstein
  • Alexandra L. Gibas
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Abstract

Rapid and dramatic advances in development of the modern generation of direct antiviral agents specific for hepatitis C have occurred over the last 3 years. In this chapter, we discuss the applications of the new antiviral agents to patients with hepatitis C infection relevant to liver transplantation, namely, those with compensated and decompensated cirrhosis, patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) related to HCV, and in liver transplant recipients with recurrent HCV. The limits of applicability of the new direct antiviral agents (DAAs) are reviewed, as well as the new issues raised by the high rates of HCV cure. The global impact of high cure rates of HCV has not yet been fully appreciated. Access to the new antiviral agents and diagnosing the large numbers of patients currently unaware of this infection are clearly now the major challenges, rather than discovering new agents to optimizing cure rates. Liver transplantation for HCV and HCV-related HCC is likely to remain at current levels for the rest of the decade, but recipients and allografts are likely to enjoy a much longer useful life following HCV eradication with DAAs.

Keywords

Hepatitis Transplantation Cirrhosis Antiviral Hepatocellular carcinoma Ascites Childs MELD DAAs Hepatitis C 
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Copyright information

© Springer International Publishing AG 2016

Authors and Affiliations

  • Santiago J. Munoz
    • 1
  • Kenneth D. Rothstein
    • 1
  • Alexandra L. Gibas
    • 2
  1. 1.Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Liver Transplant Program, Section of HepatologyHahnemann University Hospital, Drexel College of MedicinePhiladelphiaUSA
  2. 2.Regional Gastroenterology Associates of LancasterLancasterUSA

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