Clinicoepidemiologic Study of Hepatocellular Carcinoma among HCV Induced Compensated Cirrhotic Patients who Achieved Sustained Virologic Response with Direct Acting Antiviral Drugs.

Abstract

Background and study aim: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major complication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) induced liver cirrhosis. Cirrhotic patients who achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) after DAAs remain at risk of HCC. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study, carried out at hepatitis viruses’ treatment unit affiliated to Al Ahrar teaching hospital in Sharkia governorate, Egypt in the period between 2017 and 2022 on 440 HCV induced compensated cirrhotic patients who received DAAs for treating HCV and had achieved SVR. Results: By the end of the study, 110 out of 440 (25 %) patients developed de novo HCC. Risk factors for HCC were old age, male gender, rural residence, and diabetes mellitus. Clinical, laboratory and radiologic features of this type of HCC were similar to those of HCC in general. Conclusion: Frequency of HCC is still high among DAAs treated HCV induced compensated cirrhotic patients with SVR and the 6 monthly follow up by AFP and pelviabdominal ultrasound in these patients is mandatory.