The impact of direct-acting antivirals on liver fibrosis in Egyptian hepatitis C virus patients: a single center experience

Abstract

HCV is a worldwide etiology of chronic hepatic insult particularly in Egypt. Chronic Hepatitis C infection leads to progressive liver fibrosis, end-stage liver disease then HCC. Successful treatment leading to a SVR has been associated with a reduction of risk of all-cause mortality. The development of DAAs-therapies showed a promising future for HCV treatment with higher response rates, shortened and simplified treatment regimens and reduced treatment-related side effects. Liver fibrosis assessment has classically been determined by liver biopsy. However, liver biopsy is associated with patient discomfort and risk of serious complications, which hinders its frequent performance. Furthermore, the accuracy of liver biopsy is affected by sampling variability and inter-observer. Transient elastography or serum biomarkers, are proved to be adequate for diagnosis of severe fibrosis/cirrhosis patients with HCV. They also can be used to prioritize patients for CHC treatment based on the stage of the disease. Liver fibrosis regression has been a main topic of research for decades. Previous studies reported that regression of liver fibrosis in CHC patients is possible with the usage of