The last stage of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is end-stage liver disease, also known as cirrhosis.
Understanding End-Stage HCV
HCV is a virus that slowly damages the liver over many years. This damage often progresses through several stages:
- Initial Infection: The virus enters the body and begins to replicate.
- Inflammation: The liver becomes inflamed as the body tries to fight the infection.
- Fibrosis: Scar tissue begins to form in the liver as a result of chronic inflammation.
- Cirrhosis: Significant scarring replaces healthy liver tissue. This scarring is permanent and irreversible. According to the reference, the liver has been severely damaged by the hepatitis C virus. End-stage hepatitis C indicates that the liver has reached this advanced stage of scarring.
Cirrhosis and its Implications
Cirrhosis (end-stage liver disease) significantly impairs the liver's ability to function properly. This can lead to a number of complications, including:
- Ascites: Fluid buildup in the abdomen.
- Hepatic Encephalopathy: Brain dysfunction due to liver failure.
- Esophageal Varices: Enlarged veins in the esophagus that can rupture and bleed.
- Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma): Increased risk of developing liver cancer.
- Liver Failure: The liver is unable to perform its essential functions.
Important Note:
While cirrhosis is a very late and serious stage of HCV, advancements in antiviral treatments offer the possibility of eradicating the virus, even in individuals with cirrhosis. Eradicating the virus can prevent further liver damage and, in some cases, even lead to some improvement in liver function.
