G. Fattovich et al., MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY IN COMPENSATED CIRRHOSIS TYPE-C - A RETROSPECTIVE FOLLOW-UP-STUDY OF 384 PATIENTS, Gastroenterology, 112(2), 1997, pp. 463-472
Background & Aims: Few data are available concerning the long-term pro
gnosis of chronic liver disease associated with hepatitis C virus infe
ction. This study examined the morbidity and survival of patients with
compensated cirrhosis type C. Methods: A cohort of 384 European cirrh
otic patients was enrolled at seven tertiary referral hospitals and fo
llowed up for a mean period of 5 years. Inclusion criteria were biopsy
-proven cirrhosis, abnormal serum aminotransferase levels, absence of
complications of cirrhosis, and exclusion of hepatitis A and B viruses
and of metabolic, toxic, or autoimmune liver diseases. Results: Antib
odies against hepatitis C virus were positive in 98% of 361 patients t
ested. The 5-year risk of hepatocellular carcinoma was 7% and that of
decompensation was 18%. Death occurred in 51 patients (13%), with 70%
dying of liver disease. Survival probability was 91% and 79% at 5 and
10 years, respectively. Two hundred five patients (53%) were treated w
ith interferon alfa. After adjustment for clinical and serological dif
ferences at baseline between patients treated or not treated with inte
rferon, the 5-year estimated survival probability was 96% and 95% for
treated and untreated patients, respectively. Conclusions: In this coh
ort of patients, life expectancy is relatively long, in agreement with
the morbidity data showing a slowly progressive disease.