Improved cognitive function as a consequence of hepatitis C virus treatment

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of treatment-related clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) on cognitive function. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in 19 HCV-monoinfected and 15 HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals undergoing pegylated interferon α-2a and ribavirin therapy between April 2003 and August 2005. Neuropsychological, mood, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) effects were assessed using computer-based battery, Trail Making Tests, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales and the Short Form-36 health survey. Results: Pretreatment cognitive function, mood status, and HRQOL were similar between the HCV patient groups. Sustained virological response (SVR) ..