Thursday, December 26, 2013

HCV Updates-HCV F1/F2 Treat Now Or Wait? and The best interferon-free combinations

Hello Folks,
I hope everyone had a festive and peaceful Christmas. This year my grandchildren were horribly sick with an "adenovirus" infection.

After taking one very sick child to see their doctor, and the youngest child 24 hours later to the emergency room, some 48 hours after that Mr. and Mrs. Santa Clause were so sick the presents almost didn't make it under the tree. Our seasonal flu shot offered no protection against this nasty virus.

The entire family is still recuperating from a sore throat, upper respiratory infection, ear infections and a few other complications. Oh my, it was so bad we postponed Christmas until this Saturday. My poor little babies.

I just had to keep myself busy today, so for those of you with some free time over the holiday - here are a few updates.  

News and Updates

December 29
People With HCV Die Decades Earlier Then Persons Without The Disease
Recently, researchers set out to investigate the most frequent causes of death in people with viral hepatitis. In the study persons who shared the same cause of death were examined; one group of people with viral hepatitis and one without the infection. In the group of individuals with HBV or HCV, researchers found people died 22–23 years earlier than persons without the disease. Study results were released late in 2013, now the full text is available for viewing.

Interferon-free combinations
The best interferon-free combinations
Based on the recent encouraging results from the widely studied IFN-free regimens in non-GT1 infection, it is possible that in the future, HCV may be the first chronic viral infection to be eradicated worldwide with one or more antiviral drug

FDA warns consumers not to use muscle growth product
Product marketed as a dietary supplement contains potentially harmful synthetic steroids
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is advising consumers to immediately stop using a product called Mass Destruction, marketed as a dietary supplement for muscle growth. The product is labeled to contain at least one synthetic anabolic steroid and has been linked to at least one reported serious illness.

The FDA was alerted by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services of a serious injury associated with use of Mass Destruction. The report described a previously healthy 28-year-old male with liver failure requiring transplant after several weeks of product use. Liver injury is generally known to be a possible outcome of using products that contain anabolic steroids and steroid-like substances. The product’s ingredients are undergoing further analysis by the FDA.

2014/HCV Multimedia: Videos and Podcast
Three new videos from Lucinda Porter, RN., author and hepatitis C advocate.
For people starting treatment Ms. Porter offers valuable tips on everything from the first time you inject (interferon), to keeping well hydrated during HCV therapy.

Link
Website and blog of Lucinda Porter, RN

2014 - HCV F1/F2 Treat Now Or Wait?
Topics Include:
Genotypes 1-6
Mixing and Matching Antiviral Agents

Investment Commentary
The Most Important New Drug Of 2013
Gilead Sciences’ Sovaldi, for hepatitis C, was the most important new medicine approved this year. It heralds the hope that a viral disease that afflicts more than 3 million Americans, can be treated with a few pills– or even one – and that doctors and scientists may be able to dramatically reduce the toll of the infection, which can cause liver failure and death.

Coffee, chocolate linked to improved liver health in HIV/HCV patients
Patients coinfected with HIV and hepatitis C may experience a reduction in abnormal liver enzymes and an overall improvement in liver function with increased consumption of coffee and chocolate, a study determined.

Cinnamon might help in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

By David Douglas
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Cinnamon may help remedy lipid profiles and have therapeutic benefits in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), according to a new Iranian trial.

2014-Hepatitis C Full Text Articles
Comprehensive review of full text articles covering important aspects of hepatitis C and hepatitis B management.

Hepatitis C Treatment Side-Effects: Interferon-Free and Triple Therapy
Links with a quick summary highlighting common adverse events seen in triple therapy and interferon-free regimens.

See you all soon!



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