AcademicArticleSCO_84939192263

abstract

• © 2014 Annals of Hepatology. All rights reserved Chronic hepatitis due to hepatitis C (HCV) viral infection is one of the main causes of chronic liver disease in the world. In the near future, the number of cases developing complications is expected to rise and include the following: liver cirrhosis, liver failure (ascites, encephalopathy, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, variceal hemorrhage), hepatocellular carcinoma, death or the need for liver transplantation. However, research in the field of hepatitis C diagnosis and treatment is one of the most active specially on the development of new therapeutic strategies potentially offering better viral eradication rates and fewer adverse events. Although this disease is a frequent cause of consultation and hospitalization, data published in our country are insufficient. The last guidelines proposed by a medical association in Mexico were published in 2007 and those suggested by the General Council of Health were published in 2009. The aim of this study group was to analyze the available evidence on the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C in the Mexican population, in the context of published international clinical and therapeutic guidelines, in order to issue recommendations that are applicable in our midst. The Mexican Association of Hepatology convened a work group in Mexico City, on April 25th and 26th, 2014. Twenty specialists with particular interest and experience.