Antiviral therapy in compensated and decompensated cirrhotic patients with chronic HCV infection

Liver cirrhosis secondary to HCV infection is a chronic disorder that carries high morbidity and mortality. Approved antiviral treatment for this condition at present includes peginterferon in combination with ribavirin. Treatment is only recommended for a well-compensated liver cirrhosis, whereas antiviral therapy is commonly not implemented in cirrhotics with signs of liver decompensation, over the concern that the use of peginterferon and ribavirin might expose patients to severe treatment-related side effects. This review focuses on data available to support both efficacy and safety of antiviral therapy in both compensated and decompensated cirrhotic patients.