A 38-year-old man screened because of prior injection drug use has positive hepatitis C antibody and detectable HCV RNA. AST and ALT are mildly

Question

A 38-year-old man screened because of prior injection drug use has positive hepatitis C antibody and detectable HCV RNA. AST and ALT are mildly elevated. HIV test is negative. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Refer for direct-acting antiviral treatment evaluation

Answer

Start peginterferon as first-line therapy

Answer

Defer treatment because liver enzymes are mild

Answer

Repeat antibody testing in 5 years

Answer

Give hepatitis C vaccine

Chronic hepatitis C — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

A 38-year-old man screened because of prior injection drug use has positive hepatitis C antibody and detectable HCV RNA. AST and ALT are mildly elevated. HIV test is negative. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?