1069. Loss to follow-up does not impact SVR for HCV infection

Abstract

BackgroundRecent advances in hepatitis C treatment using direct acting antiviral (DAA) agents can lead to sustained virologic response (SVR) in almost all treated subjects. These data along with the availability of generic DAAs have generated optimism to eliminate HCV infection globally. However, recent pilot projects aimed at HCV elimination have resulted in disappointing SVR due to lack of follow up of patients after they complete treatment. In this study, we evaluated the SVR among those who did not follow up for the 12 week post treatment visit versus that of those who did,Aim – To determine SVR among those who follow up compared to those who have delayed follow up to assess SVR.Table Methods226 patients who underwent treatment for hepatitis C in a subspecialty clinic in Mumbai, India between 2014-16, with complete laboratory and clinical data available were included in this analysis. All patients completed 12 weeks of treatment with an approved DAA regimen. 137 patients had adequate follow up post treatment for SVR (Group A) and 89 patients were “no shows” for SVR (Group B) and had to be actively followed to obtain HCV RNA levels at least 4 weeks after SVR visit. Graph Pad prizm and student t test were used to determine the difference between SVR among the two groups.ResultsDemographics of both groups of patients are shown in the table below. SVR for the patients with good follow up (Group A) was 97.1% (133/137) and that of patients with poor follow up (Group B) was 97.8% (87/89), which was not statistically different (p >0.05). There were no baseline demographics that was associated with poor follow up, including age, gender, genotype, baseline fibrosis score, ALT levels, previous treatment status, or duration of treatment (P >0.05)ConclusionLack of follow up after completion of treatment with DAAs is associated with identical SVR compared to those with adequate follow up. These findings suggest lack of follow up after completion of treatment should have minimal effect on HCV elimination projects. In the future, HCV elimination projects need not focus on determination of SVR as long as treatment follow up is ensuredDisclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures