In a large, real-world study of 1,601 patients treated for hepatitis C across 11 US medical centers, those who achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) reported significant and lasting improvements in fatigue, sleep disturbance, abdominal pain, and overall functional well-being. These benefits were observed 12 months after treatment and were most pronounced among patients with cirrhosis, individuals aged 35 to 55, and those with multiple comorbidities or substance use history. The study also found self-reported improvements in chronic conditions such as diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure. This suggests broader health benefits following HCV cure, likely due to reduced systemic inflammation and enhanced healthcare engagement.

Importantly, patients who did not achieve SVR generally saw their symptoms return to baseline levels. The study highlights that psychosocial factors such as mental health issues and substance use should not be seen as barriers to HCV treatment, as these patients experienced some of the greatest gains. Across all demographics and treatment types, SVR was the key driver of improved patient-reported outcomes (PROs), reinforcing the value of universal access to direct-acting antivirals. These findings underscore the importance of including diverse, real-world populations in research and support the long-term health value of curing hepatitis C.

Reference: Serper M, Evon DM, Amador J, et al. Patient-reported outcomes 12 months after hepatitis C treatment with direct-acting antivirals: Results from the PROP UP study. Liver Int. 2021;41(4):692-704. doi: 10.1111/liv.14781.