Evaluation and Treatment of Hepatitis C and Cirrhosis: Federal Bureau of Prisons Clinical Practice Guidelines

This report presents guidelines for diagnosing, evaluating, and treating hepatitis C in persons incarcerated in Federal government prisons. It explains the transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV), acute HCV infection and its treatment; chronic HCV infection; and a stepwise approach for detecting, evaluating, and treating chronic HCV infection. It discusses the direct-acting antiviral agents for treatment of chronic HCV infection that were FDA approved in May 2011, and their use, the indications and contraindications for triple therapy, managing side effects, and monitoring treatment response. The guidelines also cover complicating medical conditions including coinfections and the management of cirrhosis.