Changing Perspectives on HCV: What Gastroenterologists Need to Know

Issue: September 2015

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, liver transplant, hepatocellular carcinoma, and death from liver disease. The current prevalence of HCV in the United States has been estimated to be 5.2 million people and is expected to continue to increase over the next decade. Given this scenario, identification of HCV-infected individuals for prompt and appropriate care is critical.

The development and approval of next-generation direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) represented a paradigm change in the HCV field. These new therapeutic options offer the potential for improved outcomes among newly diagnosed patients, those who have experienced a relapse/failed to respond to previous treatment, and special populations. All-oral, interferon-free regimens with a shorter duration and a more favorable safety profile than current interferon-based therapies have been highly anticipated. At the same time, these new regimens add to the complexity of HCV treatment and care.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this activity series, participants should be better able to:

Incorporate appropriate HCV screening and testing into practice to improve patient outcomes in those who are infected.
Utilize an integrated approach when preparing HCV+ patients for treatment including the use of laboratory testing, counseling, and management of comorbidities.
Evaluate HCV models of care that utilize collaboration to optimize patient outcomes.
Assess data on new and emerging interferon-free regimens in treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced HCV patients, as well as in special populations, to determine where these approaches will be most appropriate.

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Overview

Author(s)/Faculty: Michael W. Fried, MD; Jonathan McCone Jr., MD, FACG, AGAF; K. Rajender Reddy, MD, FACP, FACG, FRCP; Michael J. Ryan, MD
Source: Healio Gastroenterology Education Lab
Type: Multimedia
Articles/Items: 3
Release Date: 12/13/2014
Expiration Date: 12/12/2015
Credit Type: CME
Number of Credits: 1.5
Cost: Free
Provider: Vindico

CME Information

Provider Statement: This continuing medical education activity is provided by Vindico.
Support Statement: This activity is supported by educational grants from AbbVie. This activity is neither sponsored by nor endorsed by ACG.
Target Audience: The intended audience for this activity is gastroenterologists and other healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of patients with the hepatitis C virus (HCV).