Influence of hepatitis C virus on neurocognitive function in patients free from other risk factors: validation from therapeutic outcomes

Abstract

The hepatitis C virus has a measurable effect on CNS integrity in patients screened for other medical and/or psychiatric comorbidities. Viral clearance has not been demonstrated to abolish these abnormalities.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Depression and Anxiety in Hepatitis C Patients Receiving Pegylated Interferon Alpha (IFN-a)

“…However, Pattullo et al, (2011) concluded that the effect of chronic HCV infection may be irreversible even after viral clearance from the serum (21). In the current study neuroticism was also a risk factor for development of both depression and anxiety during the whole study period.…”

Neuroinflammation in HCV-infection – Peril or protection?

“…In addition, the two patient groups are far too small with 7 and 4 subjects, respectively, for analysing treatment effects on the test results during follow-up. Conflicting results from different studies [2,3] suggest that more efforts and research resources need to be allocated to address the true impact of HCV eradication on neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with hepatitis C. In the future, interferon associated with non-interferon associated viral clearance and potential differences on mental performance should be compared.…”

HIV-1, HCV and Alcohol in the CNS: Potential Interactions and Effects on Neuroinflammation

“…Furthermore, no correlation could be seen between metabolite ratios and neurocognitive tests. However, as noted by the authors this initial study had the drawback of a small sample size [40]. As the authors also noted, the turnover of cerebral cells is slow, which suggests that the benefits of viral clearance may only be apparent after longer periods post-treatment.…”

“…However, there was not a comparable change seen in the non-responders. As with the previous study [40], this study was also limited by a small sample size.…”