RVR for GT 3A

Is checking the VL at 4 weeks on a GT 3A part of the SOC or just something that has been recommended recently. I would like to know before I confront my GI on this. He didn't check my VL until 10 weeks into tx. It would of been nice to know what my chances were. The way I understand it is if I had reached RVR at 4 weeks being a GT 3A my chances at SVR would of been about 90%. But if it was later ,say 8 weeks then it would of dropped to about 50%. It would of been nice to know so that I knew what to expect.  

Bobby

[Lady Lauri]

Yes, he should (all should) check VL at 4 weeks! IMO , all should at start, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and until UND than regularly. With Geno 2, 3's knowing your log drop at week 2, UND at week 4 is helpful in not only predicting response, chances, but also if reductions are needed. (as was in my case). This happens a lot with GI's, Dr.'s other than liver specialist, trained more in treating Hep.
  I am not sure if a Geno 3 (I'm 2b)  would extend if not UND at 4 weeks (think so), someone will be along to answer that. At this point, you can only hope you were!
  I'd be pretty upset with the GI! IMO, it was stupid of him and as your Geno 3, while easier to teat than 1, one would still extend if not RVR.

Sorry I can't make you feel better on this.

LL

[nygirl7]

Unfortunately while it SHOULD be SOC it's not in many doctors plan.  Especially with geno 2 and 3.  It makes no sense at all. I had to beg my doc to do the 4 week myself and I was a g1A and g1B. He was only going to do the typical week 12.

More and more doctors are coming around now to knowing how important it is to have these numbers in hand.

Before you confront him you need to show him exactly why it is important-instead of just coming off like a lunatic. Print out both the Berg Study and the Sanchez Tapias study and every bit of info you can find out that shows how important knowing everything is.  How connected all the research really is. Let him read it all for himself.

Believe me doctors HATE "I read on the internet" so it's best to pretend you did the research yourself and just don't tell him anything about internet forums...

[charm27]

I told my doctors that  I belong to a support group on the internet. Their response was everything you read should go in one ear and out the other!! I wasnt surprised though.
Also they both only wanted to test VL 4, 12, & 24. I begged for weeks for a 8 week PCR!! And I mean begged....Sad isnt it. However its hard to tell 2 TOP hepatologists what to do. But I did it and it worked not easy though.Luckily for me I found out I was UND at 8weeks.
You must do what your gut tell you to.

[CockSparrow]

I agree it should be SOC but it isnt.
According to Accelerate G3s who are UND by week 4 have 85% SVR.
G3 non RVR has 39% SVR chance.

Missing RVR by only a liitle reduces your SVR chance.
Extending makes sense when non RVR for G2s and G3s
CS

[GoofyDad]

The good news here is, unless you have other issues, you were probably RVR. It would of course be best to know, but since you don't you have play the hand yooz got. I think 70-80% will RVR.

[Kalio1]

sometimes docs have other restraints, maybe their system allows for only so many PCR's or maybe he is unaware of the latest data showing the necessity for 4 week PCR. Aside from being a good thing for you to know, it also is very important because for some it can be reason to extending tx.
So I'd be bummed, BUT I agree with Goofy, you probably were RVR. I would go with that thought, not much you can do about it now, thinking positive can't hurt!
I was a G3 too. ( emphasis on WAS)
hang in there.
Do you have any liver damage?

[GoofyDad]

Nice to see a fellow GT3, stage 4, SVR pop-in!

I would agree with comments that a proven non-RVR would give me pause, and consideration for extra duration. But in absence of that info - odds are that the RVR was acheived.