Hepatitis C Infection in the Elderly.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the elderly population is a global medical burden and healthcare utilization concern. The majority of patients with hepatitis C in the USA are "baby boomers," who were born between 1945 and 1965. Consistently worldwide, HCV infection in elderly population is overrepresented and poses public health concerns. These individuals have been infected now for over two decades and are presenting with advanced liver disease. Traditionally, the use of pegylated interferon-based therapy has been limited in the elderly because of its adverse effects. The sustained virologic responses have also tended to be lower in the elderly than in younger adults. The emergence of non-interferon-based therapy with direct acting antiviral agents has expanded the pool of patients eligible for treatment. These agents have been found to be effective, tolerable, and safe in the elderly population.