The natural course of chronic hepatitis C can be classified into several phases. These phases include persistent phase, asymptomatic phase, and active or aggressive phase. Chronic persistent hepatitis progresses very slowly, if any. On the other hand,...
The natural course of chronic hepatitis C can be classified into several phases. These phases include persistent phase, asymptomatic phase, and active or aggressive phase. Chronic persistent hepatitis progresses very slowly, if any. On the other hand, chronic aggressive hepatitis frequently develops liver cirrhosis soon. The difference between these two probably depends on the host immune system that is related to age, rather than the duration of infection. Our longitudinal study revealed that chronic persistent hepatitis often transforms to active or aggressive hepatitis at around the age of 45.
Chronic persistent hepatitis progresses very slowly, if any. On the other hand, chronic aggressive hepatitis frequently develops liver cirrhosis soon. The difference between these two probably depends on the host immune system that is related to age. The unknown factor(s) that are related to the host immune system changes around 45 years of age. Our longitudinal study revealed that chronic persistent hepatitis often transforms to aggressive hepatitis around the age of 45. Accordingly, aging is one of the most important factors that contribute to LC and HCC development.