A recent study has revealed that direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection after liver transplantation (LT) is associated with persistent improvement in hepatic function and a significant reduction in liver fibrosis.
The study, conducted by researchers from Azienda Ospedale-Università Padova in Italy, aimed to evaluate the long-term impact of sustained virologic response (SVR) on fibrosis progression and survival in patients treated for HCV after LT.
During the study, a retrospective cohort of 135 patients who received DAA treatment after LT was analyzed. The patients were followed for a median period of 51 months.
The results showed that patients with advanced liver fibrosis at baseline demonstrated significant improvements in liver stiffness, and some even experienced regression in fibrosis stages. This improvement in liver stiffness led to a change in the management and surveillance of these patients.
Furthermore, the study found that transaminase levels and platelet counts improved at the end of treatment and maintained that trend over the 3-year follow-up period.
Overall, the study suggests that DAA treatment after LT is not only safe and effective, but also leads to long-term improvements in hepatic function and liver fibrosis. These findings support the use of DAA therapy in post-liver transplant patients with HCV infection.
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Definitions:
– Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment: Antiviral drugs that directly target specific steps of the HCV life cycle.
– Hepatic function: The ability of the liver to perform its functions, such as detoxification, protein synthesis, and bile production.
– Liver fibrosis: The scarring of liver tissue due to chronic liver diseases, such as hepatitis C. Fibrosis can lead to cirrhosis if left untreated.
– Sustained virologic response (SVR): The absence of detectable HCV RNA in the blood 12 weeks after completing antiviral treatment, indicating successful eradication of the virus.
