Protease inhibitors in hepatitis C: from chronic disease to cure.

The recent publication of two controlled trials on boceprevir and three on telaprevir heralds a new era for hepatitis C therapy. Bocreprevir and telaprevir are protease inhibitors which act directly on the hepatitis C virus to inhibit replication and are referred to as direct acting antiviral agents (DAAâ?Ts). They are the first 2 such agents to be licensed but it is hoped that many more will soon follow. These are very important studies and represent a major advance in treatment for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. To appreciate their significance it is important to be aware of some of the clinical features of hepatitis C virus infection. Firstly, hepatitis C exposure leads to chronic infection in approximately 70% of patients. Over time (years or decades) this may lead to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. The speed of progression depends on a number of co-factors. Patients who are male, drink alcohol, are overweight, diabetic or co-infected with HIV have more rapid progression to cirrhosis8. In contrast young, non-drinking females progress more slowly... Many patients with hepatitis C attend drug treatment clinics. This group rarely receive anti-viral therapy but represents the bulk of the population at risk for complications of chronic hepatitis C. It has been shown that antiviral treatment in drug treatment centres, linked to methadone treatment, is very effective in ensuring compliance. As the drug treatment infrastructure already exists, widening its remit to include hepatitis C treatment should be cost effective. A recent large study from the United States confirmed that it is possible to provide effective anti-viral therapy for hepatitis C in primary care settings, provided there is appropriate back-up.

Strategic Framework and Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Hepatitis C in NI (PDF 182 KB)

2004 - 2007

Report of the Tribunal of Inquiry into the Infection with HIV and Hepatitis C of Persons with Haemophilia and Related Matters

Pursuant to a resolution of Dail Eireann passed on the 2nd day of June 1999 and a resolution of Seanad Eireann on the 2nd day of June 1999, the Minister for Health & Children, Brian Cowen, T.D., on the 8th of September 1999 made an Order appointing a Tribunal to which the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) Act 1921 (as adapted and amended) applied, to inquire urgently into and report and make such findings and recommendations as it saw fit to the Clerk of Dail Eireann on the definite matters of urgent public importance set out in sub-paragraphs 1 to 14 of the resolutions passed by Dail Eireann and Seanad Eireann.   Download document here   • Appendix 1-5 (4.03 MB)• Appendix 6-10 (13.7 MB)• Appendix 11-14 (1.06 MB)• Appendix 15-19 (1.25 MB)• Appendix 20-25 (2.75 MB)• Appendix 26-30 (1.59 MB)• Appendix 31-35 (2.12 MB)• Appendix 36-40 (4.13 MB• Appendix 41-45 (613 KB)• Appendix 46-50 (884 KB)• Appendix 51-54 (6.08 MB)

Hepatitis C positive, PCR positive: Clinician results factsheet

Factsheet for clinicians with patients who are antibody positive, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive, and therefore have chronic hepatitis C infection.

Hepatitis C - what now? Patient results factsheet (English and 6 translations)

Factsheet for patients who have tested positive for the hepatitis C virus.

Hepatitis C: could I be at risk? (English and 6 translations)

This leaflet provides information onHepatitis C- how the virusis spread,the symptoms of the virus and treatment available.

Hepatitis C - what now? Patient results factsheet (English and 6 translations)

Factsheet for patients who have tested positive for the hepatitis C virus.

Hepatitis C - Could I be at risk? (English and 6 translations)

This leaflet provides information on�Hepatitis C�- how the virus�is spread,�the symptoms of the virus and treatment available.

Hepatitis C positive, PCR positive: Clinician results factsheet

Factsheet for clinicians with patients who are antibody positive, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive, and therefore have chronic hepatitis C infection.

Hepatitis B - Could I be at risk? (English and 13 translations)

�This leaflet provides information on�Hepatitis�B - how the virus�is spread,�the symptoms of the virus and treatment available.

Hepatitis B - factsheet for patients (English and 11 translations)

Factsheet for patients who have tested positive for the hepatitis B virusThe factsheet is only available by contacting the Duty Room on 028 9032 1313.

Hepatitis B: protecting your baby (English and 11 translations)

This leaflet is for pregnant women who have been diagnosed with hepatitis B. It provides information on the care pathway for these women, including referral to a liver specialist, the vaccination course for the newborn child, and long-term protection from the infection.Printing instructions are provided in a PDF below.

Hepatitis B - Quick reference guide for primary care

This factsheet provides information in the form of FAQs in relation to hepatitis B: the condition, prevalence, risks, testing, management, vaccination and treatment.

Hepatitis C - Quick reference guide for primary care

This factsheet provides information in the form of FAQs in relation to hepatitis C: the condition, risks, testing, treatment and management.