Risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis.

Recent research suggests an increase in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the United States, which may be related to an upsurge in the sequelae of chronic liver disease from hepatitis C virus. In addition to factors related to the underlying etiology of liver disease, a number of host factors such as age, gender, and ethnic background may be associated with this increased risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate a number of potential risk factors for HCC in patients with cirrhosis.

Surprisingly small effect of antiviral treatment in patients with hepatitis C.

Background: The effect and applicability of interferon-based antiviral therapies in the general population of persons with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are unknown.

Objective: To determine the applicability and usefulness of anti-viral therapy in a metropolitan clinic population.

Design: Retrospective case series of consecutively referred patients.