A 35 years of age lady, an immigrant from Pakistan, who recently arrived as a labour immigrant in an EU country, is referred to a hepatology specialist following antenatal viral hepatitis screening. She is not pregnant, but there is no further relevant medical information: as a consequence of linguistic difficulties and her cultural background she could unfortunately not answer to any clinical questions. At physical examination, BMI was 27 kg/m2. Relevant lab results were as follows: ALT 54 U/L (lab ULN 34), AST 52 U/L (lab ULN 40), fasting glucose 130 mg/dL, triglycerides 200mg/dL, platelets 170 x 109/L. The virological test reported HCV RNA positivity, HBsAg negative, anti-HBc and anti-HBsAb negative, anti-HIV negative. The liver stiffness (Fibroscan® device) was 11 kPA. The physician concludes on a diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C with advanced fibrosis.
