Abstract
This article describes how to prevent the progression of chronic hepatitis C into liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in early stages of liver disease and, in the cases of non-responders, after combination treatment with pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin. Possible risk factors such - as being overweight, obesity, steatosis, fibrosis, and alcohol consumption are evaluated.
The relationship between chronic hepatitis C, obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome is presented. Finally, there are guidelines on how to improve the response to antiviral treatment with pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin in patients who are overweight, have steatosis and insulin resistance through consistent treatment of metabolic syndrome.