Effect of Direct-Acting Antiviral Treatment on Decompensated Hepatitis C Virus Cirrhosis

Abstract

Goals: The goal of the study is to assess the effect of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) on the model for end-stage liver disease-sodium (MELD-Na) score and on specific decompensations related to hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhosis. The aim of our study was to identify a specific cohort of patients with cirrhosis, if any, that should be targeted for treatment with DAAs. Background: The development of DAAs has provided safe and well-tolerated treatment options for patients with advanced liver disease. However, controversy remains in terms of optimal timing of treatment and whether this treatment should be offered before or following liver transplantation. Methods: We identified all patients with HCV cirrhosis who initiated treatment with DAA therapy at Johns Hopkins Hospital between July 2014 and June 2016. We identified a subset of patients who had decompensated cirrhosis and recorded their MELD-Na scores and decompensations pre- and post-treatment. Results: Fifty-six patients achieved sustained virologic response with decompensated HCV cirrhosis. The group demonstrated a significant decrease in median MELD-Na score following treatment from 12 to 10.5. Furthermore, a significant percentage of patients experienced resolution of ascites following DAA therapy with 19 patients (35.2%) clearing their ascites posttreatment. Of the 19 patients who cleared ascites, MELD-Na score decreased from a median of 12 (interquartile range [IQR] 11–18) to 11 (IQR 8–14), P = 0.01. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that patients with ascites as their main decompensation should be considered for the treatment with DAAs, while awaiting liver transplant given that the MELD-Na score showed only modest improvement and thus would not affect liver transplant (LT) listing priority.