Treatment results of our patients with acute viral hepatitis C

Abstract

Aim: The diagnosis of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can be made during follow-up in patients with a generally known risk contact, as it is mostly asymptomatic. The earliest indicator of acute HCV infection is increased HCV-RNA. Anti-HCV seroconversion is also the strongest evidence of acute infection. The risk of chronicity is at least 80%. Treatment of acute HCV infection is recommended because of the high rate of chronicity. Spontaneous recovery can be seen after 8-12 weeks in acute viral hepatitis C. Therefore, 8-12 weeks should be waited to start specific treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the data of the patients we follow up with the diagnosis of acute HCV in our clinic, to determine the most appropriate time to start treatment in acute viral hepatitis C and to evaluate the effectiveness of Peg-interferon alfa 2a treatment. Materials and Methods: The data of patients diagnosed with acute viral hepatitis C in our clinic between 2005 and 2015 were evaluated. Results: Twelve patients with acute viral hepatitis C were followed in our clinic. Twelve of the cases were male, and the mean age was 38.83 ± 6.75 (range, 25-50) years. Spontaneous clearance was observed in three patients at the third month. Three months after the acute diagnosis of HCV, pegylated-interferon alpha 2a 180 mcg (1x1 / week sc) was started in nine patients without spontaneous improvement and treatment was performed for six months. Treatment response was 100% at 6-month and 2-year follow-ups. Conclusion: Acute viral hepatitis C is a disease that should not be overlooked. After diagnosis, 8-12 weeks should be waited for spontaneous viral clearance. Patients who do not develop spontaneous viral clearance after 8-12 weeks can be largely treated with interferon alfa 2a therapy. Spontaneous recovery was observed in three of our patients after 8-12 weeks of follow-up (HCV-RNA was negative by PCR, AST-ALT values were normal).