Current drug treatment of hepatitisC : Useful therapy algorithms taking into consideration economical aspects

Abstract

Treatment of chronic hepatitisC (HCV) has changed dramatically since the approval of the direct-acting antivirals (DAA). Depending on the HCV genotype and the stage of liver disease, sustained HCV clearance can be achieved in more than 95% of patients with a treatment duration of 8-12weeks in most of the cases. The selection and combination of the drugs depends on previous antivirals therapies, the stage of liver fibrosis, HCV genotype and subtype, viral load at baseline, and renal function. Nowadays, potent antiviral therapy with minimal side effects can be offered to almost every patient. In the real-world setting, ahigh quality of HCV therapy considering economic aspects has been documented in the German HepatitisC Registry. Areduction of clinical complications of chronic liver disease by clearance of HCV has already been documented.