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Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection eradication in patients with cirrhosis may change the course of liver disease outcomes. Few data exist regarding the effect of HCV infection eradication on portal hypertension in this population.
In a prospective cohort study performed at a single tertiary care center in Italy, researchers assessed liver-related outcomes including ascites, variceal hemorrhage, encephalopathy, hepatocellular carcinoma, and deaths in 444 patients with compensated, HCV-related cirrhosis with or without small esophageal varices. Patients underwent treatment with peginterferon and ribavirin for 48 weeks. During endoscopic screening and surveillance, the development of new varices and progression of varices were assessed. During a…