New Studies Suggest Liver Ultrasound for all Hep C patients

[Shanaenae]

Hi All, So I have been cleared, cured for two years now. Genotype 1b, 48 weeks of treatment. I just had my 2 year post viral load test back in september. My Doc calls a couple of days ago saying something about some new regulations say that Hep C patients, whither you have been treated or not, should get Liver ultrasound yearly because of new findings of Hepatic tumors becoming present on the liver. Has anyone else heard of this or know any more info on this?

[willing]

another recent source of data in this regard is the long-term follow-up of 150 SVRs.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19072828
Evangelin posted the whole article in an earlier thread. Basically very good news for SVRs but those two HCC cases cast a cloud. IMHO, in addition to the 6mo US (measuring portal vein and spleen sizes) I would think a fairly aggressive anti-fibrotic regime (per HRs recommendations) is advisable for S3s and above along with the occasional fibrosure/fibroscan to monitor change.

The notion that fibrosis formation is reversible is gaining support. Antifibrotics are still a mystery, but encouraging the process where supplement evidence is available seems a good idea.

[Mary4now]

It can hurt if you have to pay out of pocket..........

[Debbie223]

Read this article..have to say it was very discouraging and somewhat depressing.

[Debbie223]

I am done with treatment and in the waiting period. I have been told to get a ultra-sound every 6 months. At first I was somewhat distrubed by it but then I let it go and just figured that it can't hurt and could save my life.  

[Shanaenae]

Thanks for your comments and what knowledge you have of this. I am finding studies that are showing patients getting HCC after reaching SVR. ... Check out the studies below... Seems older folks and males are more prone to HCC after reaching SVR. Doesn't seem to be a concern at all for most folks. Very Interesting!


http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17311612

http://www.hepcaustralia.com.au/index.php/news/treatment-news/31-treatment-news/852-svr-does-not-always-prevent-hcc

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/525168_4

http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/hep_c/news/2008/101008_b.html

[sunspot]

Here is a link to a Duke U study.
http://www.hepatitis-central.com/hcv/hcc/duke.html

[jmjm530]

nothing new really, except maybe it's been formalized somewhat. I was told to alternate ultrasounds, MRI, and cat scan every six months. My new Doc said forget the yearly CAT scans, too much radiation. So now it's alternating MRI and ultrasounds. Each gives you a slightly different look at what's going on. These procedures are precautionary, certainly wouldn't lose any sleep over it

[Marc1955]

I have not heard of this and I'm skeptical. I hope others better informed will clarify. My understanding was that HCC was likely to occur among HCV patients only when they reached the stage of cirrhosis. Before that point, they were not of increased risk of HCC. My knowledge may be out of date. Like I say, I'd love clarification.

[Kathy73]

I just met with a new hepatologist today and he said I should get an ultrasound every 6 months for just that. My other hepatologist never even mentioned it, but then he and his staff are incompetent at best.