With the approval of 2 direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in 2011 and anticipation of interferon (IFN)-free regimens, more hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronically infected patients are now seeking treatment. To describe the characteristics of newly referred HCV patients in 2011-2012 (Era-2) and compare them to those seen in 1998-1999 (Era-1). Retrospective data were collected from HCV patients newly referred to our tertiary liver clinics. Advanced liver disease was defined as cirrhosis (based on histology or Aspartate aminotransferase-platelet-ratio index (APRI) >2), hepatic decompensation or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A total of 1348 patients (538 in Era-1, 810 in Era-2) were included. Compared to Era-1, Era-2 patients were older (median age 56 vs 45 years), more likely to be black (17.2

作者：N, Talaat；S, Yapali；R J, Fontana；H S, Conjeevaram；A S, Lok

来源：Journal of viral hepatitis 2015 年 22卷 5期