The Latin American Association for the Study of the Liver in its Meeting on Diagnosis, Management and Treatment of Hepatitis C

The Latin American Association for the Study of the Liver in its Meeting on Diagnosis, Management and Treatment of Hepatitis C took place in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico in March 19-20, 2010. In this meeting colleagues from nine Latin American countries contributed actively to develop the guidelines. Every participant analyzed and reviewed the recent published literature of the different topics around the world. In the case of the epidemiology of hepatitis C infection the review focused on data coming from Latin American countries. After the meeting we summarized the information to create the guidelines. I am sure that this new tool will be very useful for all colleagues from different medical specialties such as hepatologits, gastroenterologist, internists as well as general practitioners and will contribute to an adequate management of hepatitis C through our continent. All the materials and related activities were sanctioned by the he Latin American Association for the Study of the Liver and constitute an official part of that conference. Finally I would like to thank the Latin American Association for the Study of the Liver for giving me this unique and outstanding opportunity to participate actively as coordinator of this conference as well as all the colleagues who kindly shared their expertise to complete and improve the guidelines. I hope the new guidelines for the Diagnosis, Management and Treatment of Hepatitis C will be widely use for most physicians in Latin America and will represent an useful tool that will contribute to a better management of our patients.