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Improvement of carotid atherosclerosis and peripheral artery disease after hepatitis C virus eradication by direct-acting antivirals.
- Source :
-
Romanian journal of morphology and embryology = Revue roumaine de morphologie et embryologie [Rom J Morphol Embryol] 2023 Oct-Dec; Vol. 64 (4), pp. 483-491. - Publication Year :
- 2023
-
Abstract
- Introduction: Recent research points to a link between chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and cardiovascular disease, especially carotid atherosclerosis, and suggests that HCV clearance may impact cardiovascular outcomes.<br />Aim: To determine if viral eradication by the new oral direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents has benefit regarding carotid atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease (PAD), steatosis, and liver fibrosis.<br />Patients, Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective study on 168 patients diagnosed with chronic HCV infection or HCV-related cirrhosis. They were all treated with DAAs, with sustained virological response (SVR). Laboratory data, vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE), carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) measurement, and ankle-brachial index (ABI) were recorded in all patients.<br />Results: We found an average IMT of 1.22±0.2 mm, with a variance range from 1.14±0.19 mm in the mild and moderate fibrosis (≤F2) group to 1.29±0.25 mm in the severe fibrosis (≥F3) group. Also, patients with severe fibrosis (≥F3) present a more critical decrease of IMT values, with the carotid thickness affecting only 18.2% of individuals in the follow-up period. At the baseline, the best values of ABI were recorded in patients having F1-F2 fibrosis stage (mean value 1.02±0.19). Instead, in the group with severe fibrosis, the average value of ABI was lower (0.91±0.16) at the baseline, with a significant increase at SVR evaluation (p<0.001).<br />Conclusions: Our research highlights the beneficial effect of viral eradication on both carotid atherosclerosis and PAD, especially in those with advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis.
- Subjects :
- Humans
Hepacivirus
Antiviral Agents pharmacology
Antiviral Agents therapeutic use
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness
Prospective Studies
Liver Cirrhosis complications
Liver Cirrhosis drug therapy
Hepatitis C, Chronic complications
Hepatitis C, Chronic drug therapy
Peripheral Arterial Disease complications
Peripheral Arterial Disease drug therapy
Hepatitis C
Carotid Artery Diseases complications
Carotid Artery Diseases drug therapy
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 2066-8279
- Volume :
- 64
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Romanian journal of morphology and embryology = Revue roumaine de morphologie et embryologie
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 38184828
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.47162/RJME.64.4.04