Hepatitis C
Call for an AppointmentDuke hepatologists helped develop new medicines called direct-acting antivirals that now cure most people with hepatitis C. However, it’s still possible for advanced hepatitis C to lead to liver cancer or scarring of the liver known as fibrosis and cirrhosis. The resulting liver damage may make you a candidate for a liver transplant.
We help you manage your hepatitis C, whether it is newly diagnosed or has progressed to the point where advanced treatment is necessary. We have the skills and resources to give you the most effective treatment available and the best opportunity for recovery.
Acute and Chronic Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a viral liver infection that is spread through contaminated blood and bodily fluids.
Acute Hepatitis C
Acute hepatitis C can cause mild to no symptoms and can resolve in a short period of time, sometimes without you knowing you have it.
Chronic Hepatitis C
Nearly 75% of acute hepatitis C cases turn into chronic hepatitis C. Symptoms of this ongoing infection may take years to appear. Left untreated or poorly managed, chronic hepatitis C can lead to irreversible liver damage and liver cancer.
Duke Health offers locations throughout the Triangle. Find one near you.
Tests
Blood and Lab Tests
Blood tests are used to determine if you ever had acute hepatitis C. They can also determine if the virus remains in your blood and at what levels. Additional blood tests can pinpoint the specific type of hepatitis C you have, which helps your doctor customize your treatment.
Liver Biopsy
If liver damage is suspected, a liver biopsy may be performed. A sample of tissue is extracted from the liver through a small needle and evaluated for damage.
Elastography
A noninvasive form of ultrasound may be used to quantify the degree of liver fibrosis that has resulted from hepatitis C infection.
Ultrasound and CT
Imaging tests may be ordered to determine the extent of liver damage and to screen for development of liver cancer in people with advanced scarring.
Where you receive your care matters. Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why our gastroenterology and GI surgery program is nationally ranked, and the highest ranked program in North Carolina, according to U.S. News & World Report for 2021–2022.
Why Choose Duke
Personalized Care
We provide individualized care unique to your condition. Each member of your care team focuses on giving you the support you need as you progress through your treatments and recovery. We consider your overall health, including the emotional impact of having a serious illness.
A New Approach to Liver Transplant for People with Hepatitis C
High-quality organs from donors with hepatitis C may now be used for transplant, and their use may shorten your time on the wait list. We have the expertise and resources to evaluate the health of a liver from a hepatitis C-positive donor and perform this procedure successfully. Antiviral medication follows the transplant to ensure a cure.
Access to Clinical Trials
You may be eligible to participate in our ongoing clinical trials, which are looking into new and better ways to treat different types of hepatitis C.