Eighty-Month Follow-Up on Psychological and Functional Outcomes Following Hepatitis C Treatment with Direct-Acting Antivirals

Overview

{'text': 'This study reports on the long-term psychological and functional outcomes of patients treated for hepatitis C with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) over an 80-month follow-up period. Significant improvements in depressive and anxiety symptoms were observed in patients with a psychiatric history, while physical quality of life showed a statistically significant decline across both groups.'}

Background

{'text': 'Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with significant neuropsychiatric burdens, including depression and anxiety, which can affect treatment adherence and overall health outcomes. The introduction of DAAs has revolutionized HCV treatment, achieving high cure rates, yet the long-term psychiatric and quality-of-life outcomes post-treatment remain inadequately explored. Understanding these outcomes is crucial for comprehensive patient management and follow-up care. Studies indicate that HCV-infected individuals experience higher rates of depression (15-30%) and anxiety disorders (10-25%) compared to the general population.'}

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Group P showed significant reductions in depressive symptoms (HAM-D: 16 to 3, p < 0.01) and anxiety symptoms (HAM-A: 15 to 4, p < 0.01).
• Group NP maintained stable psychological profiles with significant reductions in HAM-D (7 to 4, p < 0.01) and HAM-A (8 to 4, p < 0.001), indicating no further deterioration.
• Both groups experienced a significant decline in SF-36 Physical Component Summary scores.
• Avoidant coping and psychiatric history were identified as negative predictors of long-term anxiety change.
• No significant between-group differences were observed at follow-up.

Clinical Implications

{'text': 'The findings underscore the importance of ongoing psychological assessment and support for patients with a history of psychiatric conditions following HCV treatment. Clinicians should be aware of the potential decline in physical quality of life and consider integrated medical and psychological follow-up strategies, such as regular mental health screenings and collaborative care models for HCV survivors.'}

Conclusion

{'text': 'This study highlights that while psychological well-being can improve or remain stable after HCV treatment with DAAs, physical quality of life may decline, necessitating comprehensive long-term care strategies and further research into the mechanisms behind this decline.'}

Related Resources & Content

1. Journal of Gastroenterology, 2023 -- Continuity of long-term follow-up in patients with chronic hepatitis C after sustained virologic response following direct-acting antiviral therapy: a nationwide real-world multicenter cohort study in Japan
2. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2023 -- Long-Term Effects of Delegating HCV Treatment to Non-Specialist Clinicians: Five-Year Outcomes from the ASCEND Study
3. Journal of Gastroenterology, 2024 -- Histological Enhancement of Fibrosis in Hepatitis C Patients Achieving a Five-Year Sustained Virological Response Following Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy
4. Infection, 2024 -- Real-World Evidence on Direct Acting Antiviral Therapy for Hepatitis C in Individuals Who Inject Drugs or Receive Opioid Substitution Treatment
5. HCV Guidance, 2025 -- Recommendations for Testing, Managing, and Treating Hepatitis C
6. Critical Update: AASLD Practice Guidance on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma - PubMed, 2025
7. Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) positively affect depression and cognitive function in patients with chronic hepatitis C - PubMed, 2025
8. HCV Guidance - Recommendations for Testing, Managing, and Treating Hepatitis C
9. Critical Update: AASLD Practice Guidance on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma - PubMed
10. Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) positively affect depression and cognitive function in patients with chronic hepatitis C - PubMed