Impact of direct acting antivirals (DAA) on neurologic disorders in chronic hepatitis C

Cognitive Impairments in Viral Hepatitis Patients: Causes, Manifestations, and Impact on Quality of Life

Viral hepatitis, primarily caused by hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus, is widely recognized for its impact on liver function, but emerging evidence suggests it also affects cognitive function. This review explores the causes, manifestations, and impact of cognitive impairments in patients with viral hepatitis, to better understand this often-overlooked aspect of the disease. A literature review was conducted, focusing on studies published in PubMed up to August 2024. Key areas covered include the pathophysiological mechanisms behind cognitive impairment in viral hepatitis, clinical manifestations observed in affected patients, the implications for their daily functioning and overall well-being, and the tools used in cognitive assessments. Common manifestations included deficits in attention, memory, executive function, and psychomotor speed. These cognitive challenges can significantly impact daily activities, occupational performance, and social interactions, contributing to reduced quality of life. Cognitive impairments in viral hepatitis patients represent a significant concern that extends beyond liver health. Recognizing and addressing these cognitive issues are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Enhanced diagnostic strategies and targeted interventions are needed to better manage cognitive symptoms and support affected individuals in maintaining their quality of life. This narrative review aims to enhance clinical practice and inform future research directions.

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection: Pathogenesis, Oral Manifestations, and the Role of Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy: A Narrative Review

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health concern with significant systemic implications, including a range of oral manifestations. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the oral and dental pathologies related to HCV, the etiopathogenetic mechanisms linking such conditions to HCV and the impact of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. Common oral manifestations of HCV include oral lichen planus (OLP), periodontal disease, and xerostomia. The pathogenesis of these conditions involves both direct viral effects on oral tissues and indirect effects related to the immune response to HCV. Our literature analysis, using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, suggests that both the HCV infection and the immune response to HCV contribute to the increased prevalence of these oral diseases. The introduction of DAA therapy represents a significant advancement in HCV treatment, but its effects on oral manifestations, particularly OLP, are still under evaluation. Although a possible mechanism linking HCV to OSCC is yet to be determined, existing evidence encourages further investigation in this sense. Our findings highlight the need for established protocols for managing the oral health of patients with HCV, aiming to improve outcomes and quality of life.

Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients with Hepatitis C Infection-Reversibility after HCV Eradication: A Single Center Study

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is characterized by a variety of extra-hepatic manifestations; peripheral neuropathy (PN) is one of the most common, especially when mixed cryoglobulinemia (MCG) is present. The prevalence and risk factors of HCV-related PN in the absence of MCG are largely unknown. We conducted a prospective, single-center study, examining the prevalence and reversibility of HCV-associated neuropathy in the absence of MCG. Nerve fiber density in the epidermis was evaluated through skin biopsy and electroneurography (ENG) before HCV-treatment initiation and 1 year post sustained virological remission (SVR). Forty HCV-infected individuals (nine HIV co-infected) with no other neuron-harming factors were included; four other HCV mono- and three HIV co-infected individuals were excluded due to presence of diabetes, B12 insufficiency, or neurotoxic drugs. Twelve consecutive controls with no neuron-harming conditions were also recruited; eight more were excluded due to meeting exclusion criteria. Four patients had ENG signs of polyneuropathy (two with HCV mono- and two with HIV co-infection), while seven more (five with HCV mono- and two with HIV co-infection) had signs of mono-neuropathy, leading to PN prevalences of 22.5% and 44% for mono- and co-infection, respectively (p value 0.179). The two patients with HCV mono-infection and polyneuropathy and the one with ulnar nerve damage showed ENG improvement 1 year post SVR. Regarding intraepidermal nerve density, HCV infection, irrespective of HIV co-infection, was correlated with a lower intraepidermal neuron density that improved 1 year post SVR (p value 0.0002 for HCV and 0.0326 for HCV/HIV co-infected patients). PN is common in HCV infection; successful eradication of HCV leads to PN improvement.

Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of Direct-Acting Antivirals in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C and Epilepsy: An Epi-Ter-2 Study in Poland

INTRODUCTION

In Poland, active HCV infection affects between 0.4 and 0.5% of the population, i.e., about 150,000 people, while the number of patients with epilepsy is estimated to be 350,000-400,000. Currently available antiviral therapies show little interaction with neurological drugs. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the treatment of chronic HCV infection in patients with coexisting epilepsy.

METHODS

A total of 184 epilepsy patients were selected from the group of 10,152 HCV-infected patients treated for HCV infection within the Epiter-2 database from 2015 to 2018. Comparing the effectiveness and safety of anti-HCV regimens between the patients with comorbid epilepsy and 3573 patients without comorbidities was our study's objective.

RESULTS

The effectiveness of anti-HCV treatment was high in both the sample and the control group. No statistically significant SVR difference was observed between the sample group, with ITT = 93.5% and mITT = 95.5%, and the control group, with ITT = 95.2% and mITT = 97.5%, regardless of the genotype and the stage of liver disease at the start of therapy. The treatment was safe in patients with epilepsy.

CONCLUSIONS

The effectiveness and safety of HCV treatment in patients with epilepsy are comparable to those of patients with no significant comorbidities.

Therapy of Chronic Viral Hepatitis: The Light at the End of the Tunnel?

Chronic viral hepatitis determines significant morbidity and mortality globally and is caused by three main etiological actors (Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, and Hepatitis D Virus) with different replicative cycles and biological behaviors. Thus, therapies change according to the different characteristics of the viruses. In chronic hepatitis B, long term suppressive treatments with nucleoside/nucleotide analogues have had a dramatic impact on the evolution of liver disease and liver-related complications. However, a conclusive clearance of the virus is difficult to obtain; new strategies that are able to eradicate the infection are currently objects of research. The therapy for Hepatitis D Virus infection is challenging due to the unique virology of the virus, which uses the synthetic machinery of the infected hepatocyte for its own replication and cannot be targeted by conventional antivirals that are active against virus-coded proteins. Recently introduced antivirals, such as bulevertide and lonafarnib, display definite but only partial efficacy in reducing serum HDV-RNA. However, in combination with pegylated interferon, they provide a synergistic therapeutic effect and appear to represent the current best therapy for HDV-positive patients. With the advent of Direct Acting Antiviral Agents (DAAs), a dramatic breakthrough has occurred in the therapeutic scenario of chronic hepatitis C. Cure of HCV infection is achieved in more than 95% of treated patients, irrespective of their baseline liver fibrosis status. Potentially, the goal of global HCV elimination by 2030 as endorsed by the World Health Organization can be obtained if more global subsidised supplies of DAAs are provided.