The course of hepatitis c infection and response to anti-viral therapy in patients with thalassemia major and hepatitis c infection: a longitudinal, prospective study.

Conclusions: Patients with acute HCV and thalassemia have low rates of spontaneous resolution of HCV infection and the majority develop chronic HCV. Direct acting antiviral combinations are associated with high SVR rates and low adverse event in treatment na ïve and experienced patients with chronic HCV and thalassemia. Liver fibrosis is accelerated in thalassemia patients with chronic HCV, therefore, early diagnosis, treatment with DAAs, adequate iron chelation and non-invasive monitoring liver status are recommended to prevent cirrhosis and hepatocel lular carcinoma.
Source: Mediterranean Journal of Hematology and Infectious Diseases - Category: Hematology Source Type: research