Hepatitis C in Renal Disease, Hemodialysis and Transplantation

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major health problem worldwide, with currently over 150 million HCV-infected people on the five continents. Although there have been important advances in the diagnosis, prevention and therapy, the infection remains an important health problem in most countries. HCV infection is considered a systemic disease: Not only does it affect the liver, it can induce autoimmune, dermatological and renal disease. Moreover, soon after the discovery of HCV as the major cause of non-A non-B hepatitis, HCV infection was recognized as an important cause and consequence of chronic kidney disease. The publication at hand is an update on the most important topics concerning HCV infection, renal disease and problems with dialysis in the general population as well as in renal transplant patients. Also included is a chapter on the emerging problem of renal complications associated with HCV virus in patients with HIV infection. Containing contributions from a panel of internationally acclaimed experts, this publication is a timely update on HCV infection and the kidney.