Long-term outcome of chronic hepatitis C after sustained virological response to interferon-based therapy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although the short-term benefits of a sustained virological response (SVR) to interferon-based therapies of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) are well known, the long-term consequences of SVR are less clear.

Aim

To assess changes in markers of disease activity and fibrosis in patients followed up to 23 years post-SVR.

Methods

The first 103 SVR patients (from 1984 to 2003) at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center were evaluated. Serum markers before treatment and at the last visit were compared. Evaluations after 2007 included transient elastography (TE).

Results

Of 103 patients, three subsequently relapsed 0.7, 6.3 and 6.5 years post therapy. The remaining 100 patients (56 men, mean age 56 years) maintained SVR at final follow-up. No patients dev

SUBMITTER: Koh C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3627475 | biostudies-literature | 2013 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature