SASLT practice guidelines: management of hepatitis C virus infection

[...]despite the increasing knowledge, areas of uncertainty still exist and therefore clinicians, patients, and public health authorities must continue to make choices on the basis of the evolving evidence. [...]these guidelines are intended to be flexible and may be updated periodically as new information becomes available. To provide a concise, evidence-based review of the diagnosis and management of chronic HCV infection in Saudi Arabia.To help initiate plans to prevent HCV infection in the population.To achieve early and accurate diagnosis of patients with HCV infection.To provide an evidence-based approach for the management of HCV-infected patients.To facilitate appropriate and timely referrals between primary, secondary, and tertiary care providers.To identify gaps in the knowledge and understanding of the incidence of HCV in Saudi Arabia that require further research.Epidemiology Prevalence and incidence HCV infection is a leading cause of cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer worldwide, making it a major public health issue.