Hepatitis C Infection: A Systemic Disease

Abstract

It is critical to recognize that hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is, in fact, a multifaceted systemic disease with both hepatic and extrahepatic complications. It is also important to recognize that the comprehensive burden of HCV should include not only its clinical burden but also its burden on the economic and patient-reported outcomes. It is only through this comprehensive approach to HCV infection that we can fully appreciate its true burden and understand the full benefit of curing HCV for the patient and the society.

Keywords: Extrahepatic complications; Hepatic complications; Hepatitis C virus.