A 44-year-old man has positive hepatitis C antibody on routine screening and detectable HCV RNA. ALT is mildly elevated, bilirubin is normal, and he

Question

A 44-year-old man has positive hepatitis C antibody on routine screening and detectable HCV RNA. ALT is mildly elevated, bilirubin is normal, and he has no evidence of decompensated cirrhosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Assess fibrosis and start direct-acting antiviral therapy if no contraindication

Answer

Start lifelong lamivudine monotherapy

Answer

Treat with interferon monotherapy for 48 weeks

Answer

Delay treatment until cirrhosis develops

Answer

Repeat antibody testing yearly without RNA testing

Chronic hepatitis C — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

A 44-year-old man has positive hepatitis C antibody on routine screening and detectable HCV RNA. ALT is mildly elevated, bilirubin is normal, and he has no evidence of decompensated cirrhosis. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?