Hepatitis C Cure with Antiviral Therapy – Benefits beyond the Liver. Issue 1 (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Soriano, Vincent; Labarga, Pablo; Fernandez-Montero, José V; de Mendoza, Carmen; Esposito, Isabella; Benítez-Gutiérrez, Laura; Barreiro, Pablo
• Is Part Of: Antiviral therapy. Volume 21:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 8
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: Antiviral agents -- Periodicals; Antiviral Agents -- therapeutic use; Virus Diseases -- therapy; Viruses -- drug effects; Antiviral agents; Periodical; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.9106
• DOI: 10.3851/IMP2975
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-6535

Abstract

Liver disease is the major complication of chronic HCV infection. However, extrahepatic complications are common (50–75%), including mixed cryoglobulinaemia and B-cell lymphomas. Given that chronic hepatitis C has become curable using expensive oral direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), it seems worth revisiting the whole spectrum and burden of disease in HCV carriers. Herein, we update the most clinically significant medical complications associated with chronic hepatitis C and the evidence of benefits that would derive from a wide use of curative DAA therapies. Chronic HCV infection is associated with a broad spectrum of clinical conditions, including distinct rheumatic disorders (polyarthritis, sicca syndrome), lymphoproliferative conditions (mixed cryoglobulinaemia, monoclonal gammapathies and B-cell lymphomas) and damage at other organs due to persistent systemic inflammation, leading to renal, bone, neurological and/or cardiovascular disease. Eradication of HCV with DAAs is associated with amelioration and/or resolution of most liver-related and extrahepatic complications. Ultimately, gains in quality of life and survival favour treating everyone with hepatitis C regardless of liver fibrosis stage.