JANUARY 9, 2019

Response to HCV Therapy Lower in Older Patients

Poor response rates could lead to higher risk for complications from untreated HCV, advanced liver disease

Washington—The effectiveness of treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection appears to wane with increasing age. A new study presented at Digestive Disease Week found that patients over 70 years of age had a lower sustained virologic response (SVR) to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) than younger patients.

The results are not good news for these elderly patients. “The highest prevalence of hepatitis C infections is estimated to be among baby boomers, a population that is