Is fibrosis reversable?

Sorry, but I dont know wheather , this theme, was subject to discussion before, but I would like to know, if the therapy , either succsesfull or not, reverses fibrosis at all? If it does, how long the results, would be good? I need to repeat therapy, ,and will do a fibroscan sometimes in July, and would like to hear some opinion . Thanks in advance!

[willbb]

There is evidence that treatment ,whether successful or not results in fibrosis regression or slowing of damage.

http://www.hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/hepC/Reversal.html


"It has been demonstrated in some studies that early stage fibrosis, and even advanced cases of cirrhosis can regress during treatment of hepatitis C even without the benefit of a sustained virological response (SVR) to treatment with interferon.

Basically, treatment gives the liver a vacation or rest from inflammation caused by HCV. Providing that the cirrhosis is not at such an advanced stage that treatment is not an option, treatment is often used to improve the health of the liver even if the disease cannot be eradicated."

Good luck with your re-treatment..

Will

[paen53]

Ahhh, the question that is on many of our minds, to be sure. I've read articles, such as the one that Will posted, and want to believe in those words. I suppose over time as more and more people attain SVR, that hopefully more follow-ups will occur along with more data on possible fibrosis reversal.

I asked my Dr. a couple weeks ago if she would advise a second bx at some point in the future to see if I was still cirrhotic, and she said, "no", that labs and imaging every 6 months would be sufficient. I am curious though and hope that one day a less invasive procedure will give me the answer I am hoping to find. For now, I am more than happy with the SVR and the knowledge that at least my liver isn't getting any worse from HCV. Perhaps in the future, anti-fibrotics will be used in a post tx setting to continue the healing process. I remain very hopeful......

[Diamando6]

Thank you very much for your comments. I think also, that therapy reverses damage, to some point. I am getting ready to go to fibroscan. I also wanted another biopsy, but my Doc, wouldnt allow me to do it . He think , it is to invasive. I also hope, that in the future, will be some medications after therapy also to heal the liver after so many toxic drugs, that we are supposed to take to eradicate the virus.
Thanks once again, will let you know about the results of my fibroscan. All the best!