Management of HCV-infected patients after successful direct-acting antiviral therapy
Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland
Department of Gastroenterology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Bialystok, Białystok, Poland
Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
Department of Infectious Diseases and Allergology, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland
Clin Exp HEPATOL 2026; 12, 3
Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have revolutionized the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, achieving sustained virological response (SVR) in over 95% of patients. This breakthrough has transformed HCV infection from a progressive chronic disease into one that is curable, significantly reducing liver-related complications and mortality. However, viral eradication does not always mean the end of clinical follow-up. Patients with advanced liver disease, comorbidities, or ongoing risk behaviors may remain at risk for disease progression, long-term complications, or reinfection. With the increasing number of individuals achieving SVR, clinicians face the challenge of defining optimal post-cure management strategies, including the frequency and type of monitoring, risk stratification, and preventive measures. This review summarizes current evidence and guideline recommendations for post-SVR care, emphasizing individualized approaches based on baseline liver disease severity, patient comorbidities, and continued exposure to risk factors.
Keywords
hepatitis C virus, direct-acting antivirals, sustained virological response, post-treatment management, liver disease complications
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