Hepatitis C Management

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Question

Does interferon cure hepatitis C or does it just help to induce remission?

This question raises other questions. Does serologic eradication of measurable HCV mean the virus is gone from the body? What is a "cure" anyway?

Although many experts may be hesitant to use the word “cured,” it is accepted that if the HCV RNA is undetectable in the serum at 6 months after the completion of treatment, then viral eradication has been achieved. This is what is referred to as a sustained virologic response (SVR). Rechecking the HCV RNA a couple of more times over the next 2 years can reassure the SVR. It is also important to instruct patients that they are not immune to reinfection with the virus, and they must take measures to avoid this.

For more information, see the treatment section in the Hepatitis C Management monograph.