Prospective Assessment of Serum Lipid Alterations in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients Treated with Direct Acting Antivirals: Insights Six Months Post Sustained Virological Response
Oana Koppandi,
Dana Iovănescu,
Bogdan Miuțescu,
Alexandru Cătălin Motofelea,
Oana Maria Jigău,
Andreea Iulia Papoi,
Călin Burciu,
Eyad Gadour,
Deiana Vuletici,
Eftimie Miuțescu
Affiliations
Oana Koppandi
Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Western University “Vasile Goldiș” of Arad, Revoluţiei Boulevard 94, 310025 Arad, Romania
Dana Iovănescu
Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Western University “Vasile Goldiș” of Arad, Revoluţiei Boulevard 94, 310025 Arad, Romania
Bogdan Miuțescu
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
Alexandru Cătălin Motofelea
Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
Oana Maria Jigău
Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Western University “Vasile Goldiș” of Arad, Revoluţiei Boulevard 94, 310025 Arad, Romania
Andreea Iulia Papoi
Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Western University “Vasile Goldiș” of Arad, Revoluţiei Boulevard 94, 310025 Arad, Romania
Călin Burciu
Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Western University “Vasile Goldiș” of Arad, Revoluţiei Boulevard 94, 310025 Arad, Romania
Eyad Gadour
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, King Abdulaziz Hospital-National Guard, Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
Deiana Vuletici
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
Eftimie Miuțescu
Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Western University “Vasile Goldiș” of Arad, Revoluţiei Boulevard 94, 310025 Arad, Romania
Background and Objectives: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is intricately linked with dysregulation of lipid metabolism. In particular, cholesterol plays a crucial role in HCV replication. Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) therapy has revolutionized the hepatitis C treatment landscape, achieving high rates of sustained virological response (SVR). However, viral clearance comes with some alterations in lipid-related markers. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the impact of HCV clearance on lipid homeostasis and non-invasive liver fibrosis markers in hepatitis C patients treated with DAAs. Material and Methods: Fifty-two patients with varying degrees of fibrosis treated with DAAs therapy were evaluated at baseline and 24 weeks post-SVR. Lipid profiles and non-invasive liver fibrosis markers were assessed. Results: Our findings revealed an increase in total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDLc (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) levels at 24 weeks post-SVR, alongside an improvement in serum liver enzymes. Although improvements in liver stiffness were observed in non-invasive tests, there was an increase in lipid-related markers post-SVR. Conclusions: This suggests a potential increased cardiovascular risk despite improvements in liver function and fibrosis, highlighting the necessity for statin therapy in some cases and extended follow-ups for these patients. These findings underscore the importance of closely monitoring lipid profiles in chronic hepatitis C patients post-SVR, as well as the potential need for statin therapy to mitigate cardiovascular risk. Additionally, extended follow-up is essential to assess long-term outcomes and ensure the optimal management of these patients.
