Acute HCV infection

Q: 26 years old surgical resident is admitted to ICU with Right Upper Quadrant (RUQ) pain, jaundice, white stool, and severe nausea and vomiting. Patient recently had a needle stick while performing the central line. Subsequent workup led to the diagnosis of acute Hepatitis C (HCV) infection. Appropriate approach is? (select one)

A) symptomatic treatment 

B) anti-viral therapy

Answer: B

American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) as well as the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) recommends immediate treatment upon documentation of viremia in people with acute HCV infection. Although, some clinicians may decide to wait for 3-6 months to determine whether chronic infection has been established, or infection is cleared. But, that should be done only if a patient refuses treatment or any other unavoidable circumstances. 

Anti-viral treatment prevents ongoing transmission and reduces incidence and prevalence in the population. Also, antiviral treatment prevents further severe acute HCV infection.

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Reference:

HCV Guidance: Recommendations for Testing, Managing, and Treating Hepatitis C. Joint panel from the American Association of the Study of Liver Diseases and the Infectious Diseases Society of America. http://www.hcvguidelines.org/ (Accessed on July 01, 2023).