{A figure is presented}Effect of Sustained Viral Response on Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient in Hepatitis C-Related Cirrhosis

Abstract

Background & Aims: Interferon-based therapy can improve hepatic histology in chronic hepatitis C (CHC)-related cirrhosis but its effect on portal hypertension is unclear. The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of treatment with peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin on hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) in CHC with compensated cirrhosis. Methods: Forty-seven patients with compensated biopsy examination-proven cirrhosis were recruited from 2 metropolitan teaching hospitals and were treated for 48 weeks with combination peginterferon alfa-2a 180 μg by subcutaneous injection weekly and ribavirin 800-1200 mg/day orally. A transjugular liver biopsy examination and HVPG measuremen..