NATURAL DISAPPEARANCE OF SERUM HCV RNA - PROSPECTIVE-STUDY IN A HYPERENDEMIC AREA

We examined the clinical and laboratory factors related to natural dis appearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA by multiple logistic analysi s after two rounds of testing in PI town (3708 subjects) from 1990 to 1996. Liver function parameters? HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodys were det ermined in sera. In HCV seropositive individuals, abdominal ultrasonog raphy, HCV RNA testing and where appropriate, HCV genotype and RNA lev el determinations were performed. Among 517 HCV RNA-positive subjects in the first screening, 270 subjects could be tested after an average interval of 4.3 years. Of these, 235 (87%) were RNA-positive at the se cond screening (positive persisted) and 35 (13%) had become negative ( seroconversion to negative!. The natural disappearance rate of serum I -ICV RNA was estimated as 2.8% per year. Significant independent facto rs related to disappearance were: serum HCV RNA levels (below 1.0 Meg ml(-1)!: alanine aminotransferase (below 30 IU l(-1)) and zinc turbidi ty test (below 7.9 KU. These factors should help in elucidating mechan isms of HCV exclusion from the host, in predicting prognostication and in patient selection for interferon therapy. (C) 1997 Elsevier Scienc e Ireland Ltd.