In this respect, a multidisciplinary network of experts, the International Study Group of Extrahepatic Manifestations Related to Hepatitis C Virus Infection (ISG-EHCV), was organized with the intention to formulate diagnostic guidelines for the work-up of possible HCV-EHDs.
There was a broad consensus among ISG-EHCV members on the proposed guidelines, which essentially are based on two main levels of patient's assessment. At the referral stage, it is proposed that all patients with HCV infection should be invariably examined by means of first-line diagnostic procedures including virological and hepatic parameter evaluation, as well as the detection of clinical findings that may suggest one or more HCV-EHDs. This preliminary assessment should reveal specific HCV-EHDs, which will be deeper analyzed by means of second-line, targeted investigations.
160">The proposed multidisciplinary expert statement represents the first attempt to draw comprehensive diagnostic guidelines for HCV-infected individuals encompassing the entire spectrum of HCV-related disorders, namely typical hepatic manifestations along with less common, often unpredictable HCV-EHDs. The HCV-EHDs may compromise to a substantial degree the overall disease outcome in a significant number of HCV-infected individuals that renders their timely identification and treatment an imperative.
In conclusion, the application of standardized but thorough diagnostic guidelines of HCV-EHDs is advisable at the referral stage as well as during the follow-up period of HCV infected patients. It is envisioned that the proposed strategy will result in improvement of clinical outcomes in such patients.