Fibrosis reversal in patients with HCV cirrhosis is important “because cirrhosis in these patients ultimately leads to portal hypertensive complications and in many patients, death,” said Don C. Rockey, MD, an AGA spokesperson and director of the Digestive Disease Research Core Center at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston

“Previous studies have shown that HCV clearance reduces portal hypertension, improves synthetic liver function, and lowers the risk of complications such as variceal bleeding or ascites. In essence, fibrosis regression occurs in many patients with HCV after its clearance and is a critically important outcome. The current study provides further information that supports previous work that showed a reduction in mortality rates – presumably liver related mortality. Interestingly, the current study emphasizes that there appear to be racial and geographic disparities in mortality rates," Dr. Rockey told GI & Hepatology News.

The study raises a key issue, Dr. Rockey noted: What factors drive the racial and regional disparities in mortality rates? It also underscores another important unanswered question —what is the long-term risk of developing complications from portal hypertension or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after achieving a cure for HCV?

“Available information suggests that patients with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis remain at elevated risk for developing HCC,” he said. “What is not currently known is whether there are specific risk factors for HCC development, and how best to screen patients with cured HCV for HCC.”

Dr. Rockey reported having no relevant disclosures.