Cirrohsis - Does any one live

Hello all,

This may be a silly question but everytime I look up anything on cirrohsis it lists all the complications -but my boyfriend is what they call compensated cirrohsis - he has no varces, no acities, etx.  Some web sites say people can live many many years with cirrohsis?  Is this true - the docotr says his liv3er is functioning well at this point and he is on treatment.  Is it possiible that if treatment reduces the viral load that his liver may not become more damaged and he could live a long time.  Or no matter what is he going to continue to get worse.  He does not drink and he is only 51

[Trinity4]

Reducing the viral load does not affect how liver disease will progress.  In order ensure the hepc virus does not cause further damage the patient must eradicate the virus as in achieve SVR (sustained virological response)  

There are degrees of cirrhosis just as there are degrees of fibrosis so yes, people can live many years with cirrhosis and since he not experiencing complications that is a very positive when looking at long term prognosis.

If your boyfriend completes antiviral treatment with the current standard of care his odds of achieving SVR are lower because he has compensated cirrhosis but none the less it is very possible he can SVR.  Additionally, while he's treating the the liver is getting a reprieve.

I wish you the best
Trinity

[FlGuy]

If he eliminates the virus load entirely (achieving Sustained Viral Response) he can expect that his liver may not become more damaged.  In fact,   " If you had mild (Childs A )cirrhosis or anything less in fibrosis score, after SVR it should all go away. Your liver should return to normal. However in people with established cirrhosis, there may be a continuing risk of liver cancer so screening once or twice per year may be in order"

The part in "quotes" is Frm Dr D. Dietrich, a noted hepatologist and all-around good guy.