Nursing, Pharmacology and Healthcare

Chronic Hepatitis C: Evolution & Treatment

Chronic Hepatitis from HCV is a slowly progressive disease characterized by a persistent hepatic inflammation and a progression of hepatic rigidity (fibrosis). The chronic infection from the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important public health problem. In Spain, the prevalence of adults who have antibodies against this virus is 1.7%. There are several viral types (genotypes) that vary depending on factors such as, for example, ethnicity, where the “1b” genotype is the most frequent in Spain. Considering that it can develop as an asymptomatic infection, patients may be diagnosed if their doctors suspect that they present risk factors such as, having received blood transfusions, blood products, or anti-D immunoglobulin during pregnancy prior to 1990,Tattoos or perforations with unsterilized materials, Intravenous drug users, or intranasal cocaine users, Health sector workers, Dialysis patients, Individuals participating in high-risk sexual relationships and, more recently, the male homosexual practices.