Portal Hypertension Reverses Following Successful Antiviral Treatment for HCV: Fact or Fiction?

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe development of portal hypertension has relevant implications in the natural history of patients with hepatitis C-related liver disease. Indeed, when the hepatic venous pressure gradient is ≥ 10 mmHg (clinical significant portal hypertension—CSPH), the risk of decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma, or death markedly increases.Recent FindingsThe achievement of sustained virological response (SVR) has been associated with a reduction in portal pressure. The use of all-oral antiviral regimens allows treating patients with more advanced liver disease (CSPH or decompensated). However, currently available data show that the impact of SVR on portal pressure, at least in the short term, is limited.SummaryIt is relevant to recognize that, despite achieving SVR and a reduction in portal pressure, CSPH and the risk of liver-related complications persist in a significant proportion of patients with advanced disease. Studies with longer follow-up are awaited to assess the real magnitude of hepatitis C treatment on portal pressure.
Source: Current Hepatitis Reports - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research