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. 2018 Sep 19;2(6):317-321.
doi: 10.1002/jgh3.12091. eCollection 2018 Dec.

Resolution of ascites and hepatic encephalopathy and absence of variceal bleeding in decompensated hepatitis C virus cirrhosis patients

John Romano  1 , Omar T Sims  2   3   4   5 , Joshua Richman  6 , Yuqi Guo  7 , Tasnia Matin  8 , Mohamed Shoreibah  9 , Vishnu Kommineni  1 , Krishna Venkata  1 , Omar I Massoud  9
Affiliations

Resolution of ascites and hepatic encephalopathy and absence of variceal bleeding in decompensated hepatitis C virus cirrhosis patients

John Romano et al. JGH Open. .

Abstract

Background and aims: The aims of this study were to examine changes in the proportion of decompensated hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhosis patients with ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and variceal bleeding at pretreatment compared to 3 and 12 months post-sustained virological response (SVR) and to compare pretreatment and post-SVR model of end-stage liver disease and Child-Pugh scores and alpha-fetoprotein levels.

Methods: Electronic medical records of 64 decompensated HCV cirrhosis patients who received direct-acting antivirals were reviewed. The McNemar-Bowker test and the Wilcoxon-Signed Rank test were used to compare patient outcomes.

Results: Ascites was resolved in 29% of patients 3 months post-SVR (65% vs 36%, P < 0.01) and in 35% of patients 12 months post-SVR (65% vs 30%, P = 0.07). Hepatic encephalopathy was resolved in 54% of patients 3 months post-SVR (70% vs 16%, P < 0.01) and in 48% of patients 12 months post-SVR (70% vs 22% P = 0.03). Variceal bleeding was absent in 32% of patients 3 months post-SVR (35% vs 3%, P < 0.01) and in 27% of patients 12 months post-SVR (35% vs 8%, P < 0.01). Alpha-fetoprotein levels were significantly reduced post-SVR, but model of end-stage liver disease and Child-Pugh scores were not.

Conclusions: Decompensated HCV cirrhosis patients who achieved SVR with direct-acting antiviral treatment had significant reductions in manifestations of hepatic decompensation sustainable up to 1 year post-SVR.

Keywords: decompensated cirrhosis; direct acting antivirals; hepatitis C; treatment.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Change in the manifestations of decompensated cirrhosis prior to and post‐treatment with direct‐acting antiviral. formula image, HE; formula image Ascites; formula image, VB.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Change in AFP level prior to and post‐treatment with direct‐acting antiviral.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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