Retrospective review of post-treatment clinical, imaging and laboratory data in anti-hcv positive patients

Introduction: It is known that more than 71 million people worldwide are chronically infected with HCV. Hepatitis C is a virus that can lead to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and extrahepatic manifestations in advanced stages. These effects can be prevented in patients receiving appropriate treatment. This study investigated the frequency of HCV RNA testing during follow-up of patients with anti-HCV antibodies, as well as monitoring imaging and laboratory examinations after treatment. Methods: This retrospective single-center study scanned electronic records of patients who visited the gastroenterology clinic of Akdeniz University Hospital. The study explored the parameters requested during follow-up of patients with positive anti-HCV antibodies, including how many were tested for HCV RNA, how many received treatment after detecting elevated HCV RNA levels, and how many showed changes in clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings after treatment. Results: The study examined the characteristics of 150 hepatitis C patients. The average age of the study group was 57.44±17.22 years, with 50% being female and 50% male. The most common genotypes were 1B (52.00%) and 1A (35.33%). In patients tested with Kvy, chronic viral response was achieved in 95.45% of cases. Changes in ALT values were analyzed from Day 0 to Month 3 in different treatment regimens, showing statistically significant decreases in ALT levels at Month 3 with Glecaprevir+Pibrentasvir (p=0.007), Ritonavir+Ombitasvir+Paritaprevir+Dasabuvir (p<0.001), Sofosbuvir +Ledipasvir +Rıbavırın (p=0.002), Sofosbuvir + Ledipasvir (p<0.001), Sofosbuvir + Ribavirin (p=0.018), Ritonavir+ Ombitasvir+ Paritaprevir+ Ribavirin+Dasabuvir (p=0.001), and Interferon Regimen (p<0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that high rates of sustained virological response can be achieved with treatment in HCV-positive patients. Patients undergoing treatment also showed significant improvements in liver enzymes. Regular treatment for detected HCV infections can reduce the risk of developing complications in the future.