Direct antivirals and cognitive impairment in hepatitis C: a clinical-neurophysiologic study

• DOI: 10.1007/s13365-020-00904-6
• Publication Date: 2020-09-10T14:05:21Z
• Authors: Gloria Vaghi; Benedetta Gori; Gionata Strigaro; Michela Burlone; Rosalba Minisini; Matteo N. Barbaglia; Elena Brigatti; Claudia Varrasi; Mario Pirisi; Roberto Cantello
• Keywords: Hepatic Encephalopathy; Cognitive Decline

Abstract Cognition was assessed in hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients, who did not meet the criteria for a minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Their liver function compensated. We then disentangled potential cognitive changes associated with sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR-12), following treatment direct antiviral agents (DAAs). studied 23 selected HCV patients battery of standard neuropsychological tests, and recordings P300 wave, cerebral “cognitive” significance. There baseline evaluation (T0) second one 6 months later (T1). had 2 control groups comparable age sex, i.e., 15 suffering from non-alcoholic fatty disease (NAFLD) healthy subjects. At T0, we detected significant ( p < 0.05) impairment group, which involved episodic working memory, attention, visuospatial verbal abilities, executive functions, logic reasoning. The latency significantly delayed group. T1, observed some recovery given test domains, e.g., Accordingly, shortened 0.05). exhibited subtle defects, somehow independent their condition, possibly linked to or indirect brain involvement by virus. These defects partly recovered SVR-12, as achieved through DAAs. wave valid neurophysiologic counterpart these changes. DAAs can have role early preservation cognition HCVs.