Martinez Receives Global Honor for Hepatitis Work
“The accolades for the work being done at the “La Bodega” hepatology clinic at the Erie County Medical Center continue to roll in.”
Chronic Hepatitis C Leaves Lasting Epigenetic Scars
“Hepatitis C is a silent yet formidable liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Unlike its acute form, which often resolves on its own, chronic hepatitis C persists, potentially leading to severe liver damage, including cirrhosis and cancer. While groundbreaking advancements in direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatments have revolutionized HCV management, achieving high cure rates, the battle isn’t entirely won. Emerging research indicates that the virus leaves a lasting imprint on the immune system, even after successful treatment.”
Liver stiffness becomes crucial indicator for post-treatment hepatitis C risk assessment
“Hepatitis C can be cured in almost all cases with modern medication. However, if advanced liver damage is already present at the time of cure, there is still a residual risk of liver cancer and complications of portal hypertension, such as abdominal fluid, bleeding from the digestive tract and confusion. New studies by an international research group coordinated by MedUni Vienna show that liver stiffness should be the primary indicator used to assess the risk after the end of treatment.”
U of A to run clinical trials for patients with hepatitis C and long COVID
“Infectious diseases specialist Vanessa Meier-Stephenson received $2,178,000 to lead a trial testing the safety and efficacy of a hepatitis C vaccine developed in the laboratory of Michael Houghton, director of the Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute and co-winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.”
Risky Alcohol Use Does Not Impact HCV Treatment Efficacy But Is Linked to Cirrhosis
“Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy is equally efficacious in patients with risky alcohol use compared to those without, according to findings from a recent study. Results from OPERA-C, a prospective multicenter study conducted across 26 hospital-based liver clinics in Australia, showed equivalent rates of sustained virologic response (SVR) regardless of alcohol use. However, patients with risky alcohol use had greater rates of cirrhosis and more than one-third of patients with cirrhosis continued to consume alcohol, most of whom were not offered pharmacological therapy for alcohol dependence.”
