특집 : 만성 간질환 치료의 최신 지견 ; 만성 C형 간염의 치료 동향: 치료대상 및 지침을 중심으로

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a serious health problem, and an estimated 170 million people are infected worldwide. Hepatitis C is the principal cause of death from liver disease and is the one of the main indications for liver transplantation. The primary goal in the treatment of HCV infection is to reduce mortality by preventing liver-related deaths associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma and decompensated cirrhosis. PEGylated interferons, together with ribavirin, are currently the standard of care for patients with chronic hepatitis C. This review discusses the current indications and standard treatment of hepatitis C virus infection. (Korean J Med 77:275-281, 2009)