Treatment of Extrahepatic Manifestations of Hepatitis C Virus

• Published in: Clinics in liver disease Vol. 21; no. 3; p. 631
• Main Authors: Degasperi, Elisabetta, Aghemo, Alessio, Colombo, Massimo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.08.2017
• Subjects: Antiviral Agents - adverse effects; Antiviral Agents - therapeutic use; Cognition; Cryoglobulinemia - drug therapy; Cryoglobulinemia - virology; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - prevention & control; Hepacivirus; Hepatitis C, Chronic - complications; Hepatitis C, Chronic - drug therapy; Humans; Interferons - adverse effects; Lymphoproliferative Disorders - drug therapy; Lymphoproliferative Disorders - virology; Quality of Life; Renal Insufficiency - drug therapy; Renal Insufficiency - physiopathology; Renal Insufficiency - virology; Vasculitis - drug therapy; Vasculitis - virology; Cryoglobulinemia; Chronic kidney disease; HCV; Lichen planus; Lymphoma; Sofosbuvir; Direct-acting antivirals; IFN-free regimens
• ISSN: 1557-8224
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2017.03.015

Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a multifaceted disease characterized by many extrahepatic manifestations (EHMs) that affect outcome and quality of life. HCV eradication by antiviral treatment has been proved beneficial in preventing the development of EHMs and is also able to improve many HCV-related severe disorders and neurocognitive outcomes and quality of life. Until recently, antiviral therapy of EHMs was limited to the presence of interferon-based treatment, and was contraindicated in many patients because of hematologic toxicity or risk of exacerbating immune-mediated disorders. The availability of interferon-free regimens solves this issue allowing for enhanced safety and efficacy to provide universal treatment of HCV-related EHMs.