Abstract

FERNANDEZ, Saturnino. Liver and hepatitis C in older adults: Treament options. Gen [online]. 2013, vol.67, n.4, pp.236-242. ISSN 0016-3503.

Elderly patients with chronic hepatitis virus C without evidence of cirrhosis in general handled is expectant, without established interferons pegylated alpha and ribavirin combination treatment, since it is unlikely that life is compromised by their liver disease. In addition, they frequently present co-morbidities which may affect their survival until present hepatic decompensation. Treatment in the older adult population, remains a controversial topic, with limited evidence. Recommendations for the treatment of the general population are based on large studies multicenter, controlled, randomized. He has been evaluated the effect of age on the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C with pegylated alpha interferon plus ribavirin, it was found that patients older than 40 years, had opportunity to observe virologic response sustained, compared to younger patients. Patients ages 40-49, 50-64, and 65 years and older, showed low rates of sustained virologic response. It is not yet clear whether the efficacy of pegylated alpha interferon and ribavirin in patients with HCV over 65 years old, is the same or worse for patients in the Group of 40 to 65 years. In patients older than 65 years still no agreement about treatment with double or triple therapy.

Keywords : hepatitis C; elderly; interferon; ribavirin; double therapy triple therapy.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )