Abstract
Introduction: Hepatitis C related cirrhosis (LC-C) is a condition of low hepatic functional reserve and a high risk of hepatocarcinogenesis. The sustained virological response (SVR) rate to interferon (IFN) therapy is low in patients with LC-C. Moreover, its management is difficult because of complications such as portal hypertension and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Objective: To retrospectively assess virologic outcomes of IFN treatment and development of HCC and/or gastroesophageal varices in 25 LC-C patients from 2005 to 2014.
Results: SVR rates were 100% in patients with low viral load of HCV genotype 1b and high viral load of HCV genotype 2a, 66.7% in patients with high viral load of HCV genotype 2b, and 29.4% in patients with high viral load of HCV genotype 1b. Patients who achieved SVR showed significant reductions in serum alanine aminotransferase and alpha-fetoprotein levels. Prognosis was relatively poor in patients with HCC and/or IFN null responders. Partial splenic embolization before IFN therapy was useful by increasing platelet count.
Conclusions: IFN treatment associated with no, if any, little adverse event could provide a good prognosis in LC-C patients, in case HCC development and/or exacerbation of portal hypertension would be well controlled.
