Hepatitis C is a chronic viral infection of the liver which over time can lead to serious complications, including cirrhosis, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver failure, liver cancer, and the need for liver transplantation. The good news is that effective antiviral therapy (pegylated interferon and ribaviron) is now often successful in eradicating this virus and its effects. While antiviral therapy can cure 40-50% of affected individuals with genotype 1 infection, and 80% or more with genotype 2 and 3 infections, the treatment can cause a variety of serious side effects, and close monitoring is necessary during the lengthy (24-48 weeks) course of drug therapy. To maximize the effectiveness of treatment, and minimize the risk of complications, hepatitis C management should be provided under the supervision of experts.
In 2005 Digestive Health opened its Hepatitis C Clinic, which is devoted to the initial evaluation and selection of patients with hepatitis C who are appropriate for antiviral therapy, prescription and direct management of antiviral therapy, and monitoring after treatment. Our patients are seen and managed primarily by our specially trained physician assistant Kory Williams, PA-C ,who works under the direct supervision of our fellowship-trained hepatologist, Dr. Steven Christensen.
The Digestive Health Hepatitis C Clinic is the only clinic in the Four Corners region specializing in the management of this condition.
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