Disease progression in chronic hepatitis C: modifiable and nonmodifiable factors.

The hepatic complications of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) usually occur only after progression to cirrhosis has taken place. Progression to cirrhosis, however, is extremely variable and depends on a broad set of host and viral factors that modify the rate at which fibrosis develops in a given individual. Despite their inherent limitations, studies of the natural history of CHC have identified several nonmodifiable factors associated with disease progression.

Characterizing anxiety in melanoma patients.

Background: Over half of melanoma patients experience significantly elevated anxiety levels leading to psychological distress and delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Objective: To identify melanoma patients likely to experience high levels of anxiety, we characterize the contributing factors and coping strategies and investigated potential anxiety-alleviating interventions.

Method: Surveys were sent to 94 melanoma patients at Women's College Hospital's Pigmented Lesion Clinic assessing self-reported anxiety, contributing factors, coping strategies, and potential assisting services.