Hippokratia 2009, 13(4):211-215
G. Tsoulfas, I. Goulis, D. Giakoustidis, E. Akriviadis, P Agorastou, G Imvrios, V Papanikolaou
Abstract
Cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis C is the leading indication for liver transplantation in Europe, United States and Japan. Reinfection after liver transplantation is universal and chronic liver disease develops in at least 70% of patients at 3 years, with an accelerated course compared to the nontransplant setting. These facts underscore the need for a better understanding of hepatitis C infection and the various treatment modalities. This paper attempts a brief review of the scope of the disease, as well as the different treatment modalities, with special emphasis given to orthotopic liver transplantation.