Treatment of hepatitis C-mediated glomerular disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is becoming a major public health issue worldwide, mainly due to the increasing prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and aging population. Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection commonly involves the kidneys, can be a cause of CKD, and significantly impacts morbidity and mortality in these patients. Prompt recognition and knowledge of how to best manage these patients are essential in order to have a successful renal outcome. Patients with HCV and kidney involvement can often be managed with a specific combination of antiviral drugs, immunosuppressants, plasmapheresis, and newer monoclonal antibodies. However, no large randomized controlled trials have been conducted in this patient population, optimal management of HCV-mediated kidney diseases is not well defined, and treatment itself can be associated with significant toxicity in patients with CKD. This article reviews the recent literature, discusses the limitations of current therapies, as well as toxicity associated with treatment, and suggests future areas for research. 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.