Improved cognitive function as a consequence of hepatitis C virus treatment*

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Abstract
Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of treatment‐related clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) on cognitive function. Methods A prospective study was conducted in 19 HCV‐monoinfected and 15 HIV/HCV‐coinfected individuals undergoing pegylated interferon α‐2a and ribavirin therapy between April 2003 and August 2005. Neuropsychological, mood, and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) effects were assessed using computer‐based battery, Trail Making Tests, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales and the Short Form‐36 health survey. Results Pretreatment cognitive function, mood status, and HRQOL were similar between the HCV patient groups. Sustained virological response (SVR) rates were similar between HCV‐monoinfected (68%) and HIV/HCV‐coinfected (73%) groups. SVR was associated with significant improvements in some measures of cognitive function, independent of HRQOL improvement. Conclusions Our findings provide evidence to support cognitive effects of HCV independent of mood status and HRQOL profiles.