Objective To evaluate clinical features and treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in the aged patients.Methods Clinical data of 94 patients diagnosed with CHC were reviewed.Elderly patients (≥60 years) were compared in terms of clinical, biochemical, immunological features and treatment with younger patients (<60years) .Results Among the 94 patients.the initial diagnosis of CHC was made in 51 patients at an age≥60.The elder patients had similar clinical manifestations, except for higher liver cirrhosis ratio compared with younger patients (39.2% VS 16.3%, P<0.01) .The serum level of white blood cell and platelet count was lower in elderly patients compared with that of younger patients (P<0.01) , whereas there were no statistical differences in the serum HCV RNA levels, serum alanine aminotransferase, the serum total bilirubin and immunological findings between older and younger patients (P>0.05) .The ratio accommodate Peg-interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin therapy lower in the elderly than in younger group (35.3% VS 81.4%, P<0.01) .among therapy Discontinuation or dose reduction was more frequent in older patients (P<0.05) .Conclusion Elderly patients have more complication compared with younger patients.They have lower tolerance with combination antiviral therapy.compared with younger patients.This suggests that we should diagnose and treat CHC early.
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