Adolescent Hepatitis C: Prevalence, Impact, and Management Challenges.

ABSTRACT: The prevalence of Hepatitis C virus infection (HCV), a leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, is rising in the United States (US) and other high-income countries, especially among youth and young adults. This surge in cases is closely associated with the opioid crisis and intravenous drug use (IVDU). However, its prevalence and impact on the adolescent population have not been thoroughly studied and therefore is poorly understood. The pediatric population tends to have milder liver disease and progression when compared to adults; however, there is a risk of developing liver cirrhosis, in addition to facing decreased quality of life and stigmatization from the disease. The recent approval of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens for all HCV genotypes and age greater than 3 years

SUBMITTER: Mari PC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8112853 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature