[Cirrhosis due to hepatitis C virus]

Abstract

Occurrence of cirrhosis is a milestone in the protracted course of chronic hepatitis C. Indeed, liver decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma occur only in cirrhotic patients, resulting in morbidity and mortality. Accordingly, being certain of cirrhosis diagnosis is needed. Clinical management of patients with compensated cirrhosis type C is mainly based on unspecific measures, such as stopping of regular drinking, preventive treatment of variceal haemorrhage, regular screening and early treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Interferon treatment is rarely effective from a virological point of view, but could result in a decreased incidence of clinical complications, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma. In patients with decompensated cirrhosis type C, liver transplantation is the only treatment allowing long-term survival.