Natural history and risk factors for progression of hepatitis C virus disease and development of hepatocellular cancer before liver transplantation.

1. Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the leading cause of cirrhosis and the most common indication for liver transplantation in many countries throughout the world. 2. The most significant factors leading to fibrosis progression in patients with chronic HCV infection include the degree of inflammation present on liver biopsy and ongoing alcohol use. 3. Patients with cirrhosis secondary to chronic HCV infection are at increased risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). 4. Achieving a sustained virological response after treatment with interferon, with or without ribavirin, is associated with a reduced risk for the development of cirrhosis and HCC and prolonged survival.