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Review
. 2019 Jun;35(3):161-170.
doi: 10.1159/000500963. Epub 2019 May 21.

Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C: Efficacy, Side Effects and Complications

Lisa Sandmann  1 , Benjamin Schulte  1 , Michael P Manns  1 , Benjamin Maasoumy  1
Affiliations
Review

Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C: Efficacy, Side Effects and Complications

Lisa Sandmann et al. Visc Med. 2019 Jun.

Abstract

Background: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can lead to liver cirrhosis and its complications. Viral eradication is essential to prevent disease progression and reduces liver-related mortality and morbidity. Since the availability of direct-acting antivirals (DAA), HCV treatment has changed significantly. Current treatment strategies for different groups of patients as well as potential risks and caveats will be discussed in this review.

Summary: Interferon-free (IFN-free) treatment not only shortens treatment duration, but also achieves high rates of viral clearance and is overall well tolerated. Genotype-restricted but also pangenotypic combinations are available. Usually two DAA of different drug classes are combined. For the majority of the patients, treatment duration ranges from 8 to 12 weeks. Liver and kidney function as well as prior treatment experience and potential drug-drug interactions influence substance choices and treatment duration. However, modern IFN-free treatment is not only safer, but also overall far more simplified and effective. Global HCV eradication might be an ambitious but not completely unrealistic goal to pursue.

Key messages: IFN-free antiviral treatment is safe and well tolerated. Patients can be treated almost independently of liver function or concomitant disease. Viral eradication is associated with reduced morbidity and mortality and better quality of life.

Keywords: Antiviral therapy; Complications; Hepatitis C virus; Side effects; Treatment.

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Conflict of interest statement

L.S. and B.S. have no conflict of interest to declare. M.P.M. received speaker and/or consulting fees and/or grant/research support from AbbVie, BMS, Gilead, Merck/MSD and Janssen. B.M. received speaker and/or consulting fees from Abbott Molecular, Astellas, Intercept, Falk, AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Fujirebio, Janssen-Cilag, Merck/MSD and Roche. He also received research support from Abbott Molecular and Roche.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The replication cycle of the hepatitis C virus and modes of action of direct-acting antivirals are displayed (adapted from Manns and Cornberg [69] and Mauss et al. [70]).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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