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Predictors of functional benefit of hepatitis C therapy in a 'real-life' cohort

Niels Steinebrunner1, Kerstin Stein2, Catharina Sandig1

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany.

World Journal of Gastroenterology
|February 23, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) achieve high viral clearance in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients with cirrhosis. Child-Pugh score, MELD score, platelets, albumin, and bilirubin predict functional benefit beyond viral eradication.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with liver cirrhosis poses significant health challenges.
  • Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) offer a promising treatment modality for HCV infection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify predictors of functional benefit from DAAs in patients with chronic HCV and liver cirrhosis.
  • To assess the impact of antiviral therapy on liver function markers.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 199 patients with chronic HCV genotypes 1-4 and liver cirrhosis (compensated and decompensated) were analyzed.
  • Patients received 12 or 24 weeks of combination DAA therapy.
  • Binary logistic regression was used to identify predictors of functional benefit.

Main Results:

  • Viral clearance was achieved in 88% of patients, with sustained virological response (SVR12) rates varying by genotype.
  • Improvements in MELD scores were observed in 37% of patients.
  • Child-Pugh score, MELD score, platelet count, albumin, and bilirubin levels were significant predictors of functional benefit.

Conclusions:

  • DAA therapy is effective in achieving viral clearance in HCV patients with advanced liver disease.
  • Specific clinical and laboratory parameters predict functional improvement, aiding in personalized treatment decisions.
Abstract

Keywords:
CirrhosisDirect acting antiviralFunctional benefitHepatitis CReal-life data

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