Hepatitis C Management

Ask The Experts

Question:

What are the criteria for treating HCV-related decompensated cirrhosis?

Currently, treatment of HCV in a patient with decompensated cirrhosis is not generally recommended. This is due to the poor efficacy of treatment and to side effects such as treatment-related cytopenia and worsening liver failure. Studies in this population suggest that for most patients, treatment should not be attempted. Patients with decompensated cirrhosis should be referred to a transplant center for evaluation. Given the higher risks of treatment, current recommendations are that it should only be attempted in certain patients and should be done at a transplant center.

For more information, see the section on HCV infection in patients with cirrhosis in the Hepatitis C Management monograph.