Interferon-alpha (IFNα) was the backbone therapy for HCV+ related chronic hepatitis (CH-C). However, it was associated with significant neuropsychiatric side effects and impaired health-related quality of life. Second Generation IFNα-free direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) seem to be associated with fewer side effects, better tolerability, high efficacy rates and better patient reported outcomes (PROs) [Younoussi, 2014].

To describe the neuropsychiatric symptoms and PROs during Second Generation DAAs plus ribavirin oral treatment in a group of CH-C real world patients.

Nineteen CH-C outpatients, scheduled for IFNα-free treatment, were assessed at enrolment (T0), at 4 (T1) and at 12 (T2) weeks, the end of treatment, by means of MDRS, HAM-D, HAM-A, MRS, Y-BOCS and SF-36. A pharmacological therapy, based on clinical evidence, was provided at psychiatric symptoms onset.

During the treatment, we didn’t report any worsening in the administred psychometric scales. Furthermore, we observed a general improvement at week 12 (T2), statistically significant only for MRS (P < 0.05). Any statistically significant difference was found for SF-36 mean scores comparing T0, T1 and T2. However, SF-36 cluster analysis showed between T0 and T2 a meaningful and significant rise of global health clusters “General health perceptions” (P < 0.05), “Change in overall health status” (P < 0.001) and a significant impairment in cluster “Emotional role functioning” (P < 0.05).

Our real world data are consistent with trial setting results [Younoussi, 2014]. Contrary to previous IFNα-based therapy, new regimens don’t seem to be associated with psychiatric side effects and suggest an immediate gain in general health PROs over the treatment period.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.