Antiviral completion rates and sustained viral response in hepatitis C patients with and without preexisting major depressive disorder.
BACKGROUND
Despite evidence suggesting that the majority of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) have psychiatric and substance use disorders, patients with these comorbidities have historically been excluded from antiviral therapy for HCV.


OBJECTIVE
The authors compared antiviral completion and sustained virologic response (SVR) rates between hepatitis C (HCV) patients with versus those without preexisting major depressive disorder (MDD).


METHODS
The authors performed a chart review of HCV patients (30 with MDD and 25 control subjects) who attended an optional HCV education class and signed informed consent allowing collection of clinical data.


RESULTS
The MDD group had completion and SVR rates similar to those of control subjects. Neuropsychiatric side effects and reasons for discontinuation of treatment were not different between groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with MDD can be safely and effectively treated with antiviral therapy.
Northwest Hepatitis C Resource Center, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR 97202, USA. peter.hauser2@med.va.gov
Peter
P
Hauser
Benjamin J
BJ
Morasco
Alex
A
Linke
Dannell
D
Bjornson
Samantha
S
Ruimy
Annette
A
Matthews
Aly
A
Rifai
David W
DW
Indest
Jennifer M
JM
Loftis
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015897:Comorbidity; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents