The analysis of the changes in chronic hepatitis C treatment patterns

Abstract

HCV is a single-stranded RNA virus, which usually spreads by parenteral exposure via blood, but also by sexual contacts and vertical transmission from mother to the newborn. Primarily because of its mostly asymptomatic proliferation within the liver, an infection is often diagnosed at late stage of developing disease, when chronic inflammation already caused irreversible harm to the organ leading to its cirrhosis. In this article we try to present the main treatment patterns available over the years, focusing especially on the common dual therapy PegINF/RBV and schemes based on Direct Antiviral Agents, including the most promising interferon-free regimens, regarding their effectiveness, side effects, price and possible interactions with other medications, mainly immunosuppressive drugs.