Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection is often associated with abnormal serum iron studies, which can indicate accelerated fibrosis progression and an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, sometimes raising concerns about coexisting hereditary hemochromatosis. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of HCV eradication on abnormal iron parameters in patients treated with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs). The study involved 27 HCV-infected patients who had abnormal iron tests before treatment and were followed up after successful treatment with DAAs.

The results showed a significant decrease in serum iron, transferrin-iron saturation, and ferritin levels following HCV eradication, with most patients experiencing normalization of iron parameters. Specifically, 16 out of 19 patients saw normalization of serum iron and/or transferrin-iron saturation, and 14 out of 18 had their ferritin levels return to normal. Even in patients whose ferritin levels were elevated before treatment, post-treatment ferritin levels significantly dropped. The study concluded that eliminating HCV infection restores normal iron status in most patients, even in those with abnormal baseline parameters suggestive of hemochromatosis.

Reference: Hasan Y, Brown K. Viral eradication restores normal iron status in chronic hepatitis C patients with abnormal iron studies. Ann Hepatol. 2020;19(4):422-426. doi: 10.1016/j.aohep.2020.03.002.