Evolution of ferritin levels in hepatitis C patients treated with antivirals

Sci Rep. 2020 Nov 12;10(1):19744. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-76871-z.

Abstract

The evolution of ferritin levels in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients with sustained virological responses (SVRs) following various therapy regimens remains elusive. An 8-year prospective cohort study of 1194 HCV-infected patients [interferon-based therapy (n = 620), direct-acting antiviral agent (DAA) therapy (n = 355)] was conducted. At baseline, sex, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglycerides, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), hemoglobin, iron/total iron-binding capacity (Fe/TIBC) and IFNL3-rs12979860 genotypes were associated with ferritin levels. At 24 weeks posttherapy, ALT, triglycerides, total cholesterol, eGFR, Fe/TIBC and the therapy regimen were associated with ferritin levels in SVR patients. Among interferon-treated patients, ferritin levels increased at 24 weeks posttherapy, regardless of SVR, and 24-week posttherapy ferritin levels were higher in non-SVR patients (n = 111) than in SVR patients (n = 509); ferritin levels began decreasing at 3 years posttherapy and were lower than pretherapy levels since 4 years posttherapy in SVR patients. Among DAA-treated SVR patients (n = 350), ferritin levels decreased and remained stable since 24 weeks posttherapy. ALT, triglycerides, eGFR, and Fe/TIBC were HCV-unrelated factors associated with ferritin levels; sex, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, hemoglobin and IFNL3-rs12979860 genotype were HCV-related factors associated with ferritin levels. In interferon-treated SVR patients, the increased trend of posttherapy ferritin levels was not reversed until 4 years posttherapy. In DAA-treated SVR patients, ferritin levels decreased since 24 weeks posttherapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Biomarkers / blood*
  • Female
  • Ferritins / blood*
  • Hepacivirus / physiology*
  • Hepatitis C / blood*
  • Hepatitis C / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis C / virology
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Viral Load

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Biomarkers
  • Ferritins