Hepatitis C is a significant problem in the United States and the rest of the world. Hepatitis C-related cirrhosis is the most common reason for liver transplantation. A number of issues surrounding the diagnosis of hepatitis C have been recently updated, especially those regarding changes in modalities used to diagnose this disease. Additionally, new treatments are, in large part, resulting from studies involving the newer pegylated interferons. These data will have an impact on the therapeutic options for many patients with hepatitis C.

Overview

This program will discuss current recommendations regarding the diagnosis and monitoring of hepatitis C, highlighting the testing modalities currently employed. The use and importance of genotype testing is focused on. Current recommendations for treatment are discussed, including common side-effects seen from these treatments. Management of these side-effects will also be highlighted, with a focus of individualization of treatment decisions.

Audience

This program has been specifically developed to update and educate gastroenterologists and primary care physicians who provide care for people with hepatitis C.

Learning objectives

 Discuss the clinical utility, sensitivity and specificity of the most recent enzyme immunoassay (EIA) tests, as well as the HCV-RNA assays

 Discuss the impact of genotype testing on treatment decisions and outcome of treatment regimens

 Outline the currently recommended therapeutic regimens for patients with hepatitis C

 Identify the common side-effects from medical therapy and management strategies to reduce their significance

Summary

This program presents current recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C. Disease monitoring strategies and management of side-effects are also discussed.
 

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Faculty

David Bernstein MD
(Program Chair)
Associate Professor of Medicine
SUNY Downstate Medical Center
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Robert Brown, Jr MD, MPH
Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine and Pediatrics
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
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K. Rajender Reddy MD
Professor of Medicine and Surgery
University of Pennsylvania
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Faculty disclosure information

CME credit
The American Gastroenterological Association offers users in the United States continuing medical education (CME) credit for participating in this learning module.
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Accreditation statement

Topic Overview: Viral load testing

How has the availability of newer nucleic acid tests changed the management of hepatitis C?

Topic Overview: Preparation of the patient

Faculty disclosure information

In accordance with the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education Standards for Commercial Support, faculty members for this activity were each asked to complete financial disclosure forms. Disclosures are provided below.

David Bernstein MD
Consultant: Roche Laboratories Inc.
Speakers' Bureau: Schering-Plough, Roche Laboratories Inc.
Research Support: Schering-Plough, Roche Laboratories Inc.

Robert Brown, Jr. MD, MPH
Speakers' Bureau: Schering-Plough, Roche Laboratories Inc.
Research Support: Schering-Plough

K. Rajender Reddy MD
Consultant: Roche Laboratories Inc., Intermune, Schering-Plough, Gilead
Research Support: Roche Laboratories Inc., Intermune, Schering-Plough

Accreditation statement

The views expressed herein, while consistent with current medical literature, are solely those of the faculty.

The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to sponsor continuing medical education for physicians.

The AGA designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.5 credit hours in Category 1 credit toward the AMA Physician's Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit that he/she actually spent in the educational activity.

All presenters participating in continuing medical education programs sponsored by the AGA are expected to disclose to the program audience any real or apparent conflict(s) of interest related to the content of their presentation. In addition, presenters and moderators are asked to make a reasonable effort to identify for the program audience any discussion of off-label or investigative use or application of a product or device that may occur during the educational presentation.

Funding for the development and production of the The Diagnosis and Management of Hepatitis C multimedia module was provided through an unrestricted educational grant from Roche Laboratories Inc.