Safety

Study is optimistic for hepatitis C cure

OSHA Healthcare Connection, May 29, 2007

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Peginterferon, used either alone or in combination with the drug ribavirin, is a potential "cure" for hepatitis C (HCV), according to researchers presenting at the 38th annual Digestive Disease Week conference, in Washington, D.C.

In the study, 997 patients with HCV or with both HCV and HIV were treated with the drug and then monitored for an average of 4.1 years, and as long as seven years, reported HealthDay News. The researchers found that 99% of patients had no detectable virus for more than five years.

Needlesticks and sharps injuries can place healthcare workers at risk to HCV infection. According to the CDC, the average risk for infection after a needlestick exposure to HCV infected blood is approximately 1.8%. That is not as great as the risk from hepatitis B, but higher than the risk from an HIV exposure.



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