Table 1 Conditions associated with HCV treatment and disease

Conditions associated with Interferon alfa or Ribavirin use [2]

(see Table 3; denoted by A)

Interferon only:

neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, depression, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, irritability, concentration and memory disturbances, visual disturbances, muscle aches, headaches, nausea and vomiting, low-grade fever, weight loss, insomnia, hearing loss and tinnitus, interstitial fibrosis and hair thinning

Both Interferon and Ribavirin:

skin irritation, fatigue

Ribavirin only:

hemolytic anemia, birth defects and gout

Concurrent disease for which therapy is contraindicated [2]

(See Table 3; denoted by B)

major uncontrolled depressive illness; solid organ transplant (renal, heart, or lung); autoimmune hepatitis or other autoimmune condition known to be exacerbated by peginterferon and ribavirin, untreated thyroid disease; severe concurrent medical disease such as severe hypertension, heart failure, significant coronary heart disease, poorly controlled diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Conditions associated with disease

Symptoms of HCV disease [11]

(see Table 3; denoted by C)

fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-colored bowel movements, joint pain and jaundice

Extrahepatic manifestations associated with HCV infection [12]

(see Table 3; denoted by D)

rheumatoid symptoms, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, lichen planus, glomerulonephritis, lymphoma, porphyria cutanea tarda, psychological disorders and essential mixed cryoglobulinemia

Conditions associated with disease progression [2, 13]

(see Table 3; denoted by E)

alcohol use, HIV, HBV and obesity essential hypertension [12] (evidence of reducing HCV disease progression)