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Improvement of platelets after SVR among patients with chronic HCV infection and advanced hepatic fibrosis
Author(s) -
Meer Adriaan J,
Maan Raoel,
Veldt Bart J,
Feld Jordan J,
Wedemeyer Heiner,
Dufour JeanFrançois,
Lammert Frank,
DuarteRojo Andres,
Manns Michael P,
Zeuzem Stefan,
Hofmann W Peter,
Knegt Robert J,
Hansen Bettina E,
Janssen Harry LA
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of gastroenterology and hepatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.214
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1440-1746
pISSN - 0815-9319
DOI - 10.1111/jgh.13252
Subject(s) - medicine , cirrhosis , platelet , gastroenterology , spleen , cohort , hepatitis c virus , hepatic fibrosis , retrospective cohort study , hepatitis c , fibrosis , chronic hepatitis , immunology , virus
Abstract Background and Aims: Patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may develop cirrhosis with portal hypertension, reflected by decreased platelet count and splenomegaly. This retrospective cohort study aimed to assess changes in platelet counts after antiviral therapy among chronic HCV‐infected patients with advanced fibrosis. Methods: Platelet counts and spleen sizes were recorded in an international cohort of patients with Ishak 4–6 fibrosis who started antiviral therapy between 1990 and 2003. Last measured platelet counts and spleen sizes were compared with their pre‐treatment values (within 6 months prior to the start of therapy). All registered platelet count measurements from 24‐week following cessation of antiviral therapy were included in repeated measurement analyses. Results: This study included 464 patients; 353 (76%) had cirrhosis and 187 (40%) attained sustained virological response (SVR). Among patients with SVR, median platelet count, increased by 35 × 10 9 /L (IQR 7–62, P < 0.001). In comparison, patients without SVR showed a median decline of 17 × 10 9 /L (IQR −5–47, P < 0.001). In a subgroup of 209 patients, median decrease in spleen size was 1.0 cm (IQR 0.3–2.0) for patients with SVR, while median spleen size increased with 0.6 cm (IQR −0.1–2.0, P < 0.001) among those without SVR. The changes in spleen size and platelet count were significantly correlated ( R = −0.41, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Among chronic HCV‐infected patients with advanced hepatic fibrosis, the platelet counts improved following SVR and the change in platelets correlated with the change in spleen size following antiviral therapy. These results suggest that HCV eradication leads to reduced portal pressure.