Tu1045 Effect of α-Fetoprotein Levels After Interferon Therapy on Regression of Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Hepatitis C Patient Who Achieved an SVR

Abstract

Objectives: Eradicating of chronic hepatitis C virus improves liver fibrosis and reduces incidence of decompensated liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis C patients. However, almost no reports have examined the factor associated with regression in liver fibrosis following an SVR. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between regression in fibrosis, as assessed by sequential biopsies, and clinical factors of patients who were achieved an SVR. Methods: 163 patients (102 men, 61 women; 59.8 ± 9.5 years) who had achieved an SVR after interferon therapy were enrolled this study. To evaluate the change in fibrosis stage over time, the enrolled patients underwent an initial biopsy before therapy, and underwent a sequential biopsy after eradicating of HCV. The clinical factor associated with regression of liver fibrosis after eradicating of HCV in patients who were achieved an SVR was analyzed. Results: The mean time interval between the sequential biopsies was 5.9 ± 1.9 years. Fibrosis stage regressed in 69 patients (39%), remained stable in 89 patients (55%) and progressed in 11 patients (6%). The mean fibrosis stage significantly decreased, from 2.15 ± 1.08 units to 1.80 ± 1.34 units (P < 0.001). Univariate analysis revealed that platelet counts, α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, and γGTP levels at initial biopsy, ALT levels, platelet counts, AFP levels, and γGTP levels at second biopsy were significantly different between patients with regressed fibrosis and patients without regressed fibrosis. Logistic Regression analysis confirmed that lower AFP levels (Odds ratio [OR], 2.30; P=0.022), lower AST levels (OR, 2.27; P=0.019), and higher platelet levels (OR, 2.12; P=0.046) after eradicating of HCV were significant independent factor associated with regressed fibrosis after SVR. Conclusion: AFP levels after interferon therapy were significantly correlated with regression of liver fibrosis in patients who had achieved an SVR.