Management of hepatitis C virus infections in intravenous drug users
| Journal | Volume 65 - 2002 |
| Issue | Fasc.2 - Symposium |
| Author(s) | G. Robaeys, C. Matheï, F. Buntinx, M. Vanranst |
| Full article |
 VIEW FREE PDF |
| (1) Division of Gastro-enterology and hepatology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium ; (2) Free Clinic, Antwerp, Belgium ; (3) Department of General Practice, University of Leuven, Belgium ; (4) Laboratory of Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Rega Institute and University Hospitals, University of Leuven, Belgium. |
|
Intravenous drug use is a major route of hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission. In Belgium, more than 70% of the intra- venous drug users (IVDUs) are HCV seropositive. In the past, medical treatment of HCV-positive IVDUs has been controversial. However, current studies support that the anti-HCV therapy of IVDUs should be the same as in other HCV-infected patients. In prison populations, HCV screening and therapy has to be per- formed. Patients should be counseled about the benefits of alcohol abstinence, should be educated about safer injection techniques to avoid reinfection, and should be vaccinated to avoid hepatitis A or B co-infections. Treatment of HCV infections should not be with- held from patient populations with complicated social problems. Physicians should rather develop individual treatment and follow- up plans in order to optimize compliance in IVDUs. (Acta gas- troenterol. belg., 2002, 65, 99-100). |
|
© Acta Gastro-Enterologica Belgica. |
