Impact of HCV eradication following direct-acting antivirals on liver stiffness measurement: a prospective longitudinal study

Abstract

Background and study aimsEgypt has been a pioneer in implementing a nationwide HCV screening and treatment program. Assessment of liver fibrosis after HCV eradication is important. The value of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) for this purpose is still debated. The aim of this prospective longitudinal study was to assess LSM evolution after HCV eradication.Patients and methodsOne-hundred and three HCV patients, treated with a standard DAA regimen (sofosbuvir/daclatasvir for 3 months), underwent LSM before and 24 weeks after the end of treatment. Patients were classified into 3 groups according to baseline LSM (Baveno VI): group 1: patients without compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) (LSM < 10 kPa); group 2: patients with suspected cACLD (LSM 10–15 kPa); and group 3: patients with likely cACLD (LSM > 15 kPa).ResultsThe characteristics of patients were as follows: mean age 55 ± 10 years, males 48.5%, and BMI 26.31 ± 3.33 kg/m2. All patients were Child–Pugh score A and achieved SVR at W24. A significant LSM decrease was observed at W24 compared to baseline: all patients: 5.8 vs. 8.8 kPa, p = 0.002; group 1: 4.75 vs. 6.0 kPa, p = 0.0001; group 2 11.9 vs. 12.6 kPa, p = 0.042; and group 3: 24.2 vs. 28.3 kPa, p = 0.0001. Group 1 had the highest LSM decline (23.83%), followed by group 3 (14.3%) and group 2 (8.4%).ConclusionHCV eradication was associated with a significant LSM decrease in all groups of patients. This is likely related to improvement of fibrosis, but its relation to improvement of necro-inflammation cannot be excluded. Longer follow-up of fibrosis in these patients is needed.