Challenges in Managing Hepatitis C in Unique Populations - Pregnant Women, Children, HIVCo-Infection

Hepatitis C is a critical infection to manage because it is a significant public health issue with substantial morbidity and mortality. Chronic hepatitis C infection can lead to severe liver complications, including cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The treatment of hepatitis C presents unique challenges in certain populations, including pregnant women, children, and individuals co-infected with HIV. The main worry during pregnancy is the possibility of passing the infection from mother to baby, which requires timely screening, careful monitoring, and treatment to ensure both maternal and fetal health. Limited treatment options during pregnancy further complicate management. In children, hepatitis C is often acquired from the mother and often remains undiagnosed. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent long-term liver damage, however, treatment options are available for ages 3 years onwards. Treatment protocols are evolving, but limited options for young children and the variability in disease progression pose significant hurdles. For individuals co-infected with HIV, the management of hepatitis C is complicated by accelerated liver disease progression, co-morbidity, compromised immune functions, and potential drug-drug interactions. This review highlights the challenges in treatment, rapid diagnostic tests, the critical need for tailored approaches, and multidisciplinary care to address the specific needs of these unique populations. Accessible and affordable treatment will ensure better clinical outcomes and advance the global effort to eliminate hepatitis C as a threat to public health.