|
Consensus recommendations |
Grade |
|
There is no place for the use of post-exposure prophylaxis with antiviral therapy after HCV exposure. |
B1 |
|
A single HCV RNA level below the limit of detection should not be taken as an indication of clearance; at least two undetectable HCV RNA test results, a minimum of 1 month apart, are required before clearance can be confirmed. |
A1 |
|
If spontaneous clearance has not occurred by 6 months after presentation, a person can be considered to have chronic HCV infection and treated according to current DAA treatment guidelines. |
B1 |
|
The optimal timing and regimen for acute hepatitis C treatment is unclear due to a lack of data with IFN-free DAA therapies. |
B2 |
|
In the situation where a decision has been made to commence therapy early, within the first 6 months after infection, it is still recommended to hold treatment by monitoring HCV RNA for 12–16 weeks to determine that spontaneous clearance is unlikely. |
B1 |
|
If treatment with DAA-based therapy is considered in the first 6 months after HCV infection, treatment regimens in line with recommendations for chronic HCV infection should be used (note that the PBS criteria for treatment specify chronicity as a criterion for eligibility). |
B1 |
|
Following acute HCV infection, all individuals should undergo risk behaviour education and discussion regarding the possibility of reinfection risk after spontaneous or treatment-induced clearance. |
B1 |
|
Individuals with ongoing risk factors for HCV reinfection should be screened annually for HCV infection with HCV RNA (PCR). |
A1 |