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Review
. 2015 Dec;44(4):717-34.
doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2015.07.003. Epub 2015 Aug 25.

Natural History of Hepatitis C

Shilpa Lingala  1 , Marc G Ghany  2
Affiliations
Review

Natural History of Hepatitis C

Shilpa Lingala et al. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2015 Dec.

Abstract

Hepatitis C infection is a common cause of cirrhosis and indication for liver transplantation in the United States. The incidence of chronic hepatitis C has been declining, but rates of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma are projected to increase. The outcome of chronic hepatitis C is variable. It is estimated that 20% to 25% will develop cirrhosis over a 25-year to 30-year period. The rate of disease progression is influenced by many host, viral, and environmental factors. Few can be modified.

Keywords: Chronic hepatitis C; Cirrhosis; Decompensated liver disease; Fibrosis; Hepatitis C virus; Natural history.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Natural History of Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Following exposure to hepatitis C virus, an acute hepatitis ensues. About 20% present with jaundice but the majority are asymptomatic. Spontaneous resolution occurs in 15–45%. The remainder develop a chronic hepatitis with a variable course. Cirrhosis develops in approximately 20–30% of subjects over a 25–30 year period. Once cirrhosis develops patients are at risk for hepatic decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver-related death.
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