Natural History of Hepatitis C

摘要: The natural history of infection with hepatitis C is incompletely understood, because the exact date acquisition often unknown, many patients escape detection, and current, widely used treatments may affect outcome. Seeff (1) proposed that most accurate study to evaluate should have five basic components. First, onset acute be documented properly determine duration disease. Second, include full spectrum disease, avoid bias toward ascertainment only more severe forms Third, encompass whole disease process, complete follow-up resolution or clinical end points, regardless must examined. Fourth, outcome examined in absence treatment could modify course Fifth, matched controls, followed same intensity as included. Another consideration studies examine cohorts are representative overall population infection. Unfortunately, no single meets all these criteria. Nonetheless, there numerous progression shed light on nature this indolent, but highly significant chronic liver