Residual risk of liver disease after hepatitis C virus eradication

A Summary Treatment of hepatitis C with direct-acting antivirals is safe and highly efficacious, resulting in viral clearance (sustained virological response [SVR]) in the vast majority of patients. Although SVR is mostly permanent and associated with a significant reduction of liver morbidity and mortality, some patients may still suffer from a major risk of progressive liver damage, potentially leading to severe complications - including liver decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma and death. This concise review discusses some of the most important features of residual liver disease in patients with chronic hepatitis C who have achieved SVR after antiviral therapy. (C) 2020 European Association for the Study of the Liver. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Direct-acting antivirals provide a safe and highly effective treatment for chronic hepatitis C, leading to viral clearance in the majority of patients. Achieving SVR is associated with significant reduction in liver morbidity and mortality, but patients still need to be cautious of potential severe complications from residual liver disease.