Progress in Drug Research: 55 - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 3034895445 ISBN 13: 9783034895446

Publisher: Birkhäuser, 2012

Synopsis

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) was first identified in 1989 as the etiologic agent of non-A, non-B hepatitis [1] and is currently recognized as the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. In contrast to hepatitis B virus infection, in which only about 5% of adult infections become chronic, more than 80% of HCV-infected patients develop chronic hepatitis. Moreover, 20-50% of those persistently infected with HCV will develop liver cirrhosis and hepatocellu­ lar carcinoma (HCC) [2]. It is estimated that there are 10,000 deaths in the USA per year due to chronic liver failure or HCC [3]. In addition, HCV dis­ 25-50% of all liver transplants in US centers, and the ease is responsible for recurrence of HCV infection following liver transplantation is universal [4]. Typically, HCV disease emerges after a 10-20 year period during which symp­ toms, if they exist at all, are mild and non-specific. Although the prevalence varies greatly among different countries, it has been estimated that up to 170 million people (3% of the world's population), are infected with HCV [5]. A recent study in the USA found that 65% of all HCV-infected persons are 30 to 49 years old [6].

About this edition

• Publisher: Birkhäuser
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 3034895445
• ISBN 13: 9783034895446
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 344