Characterization of Clonal B Cell Populations in HCV Infection
Hepatitis CThe purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanism of autoantibody production during chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. 10-50% of individuals with HCV have symptoms of mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC). By studying the B cells from HCV-infected individuals with and without MC, as well as from healthy controls, we hope to gain insight into the mechanisms of autoantibody production and develop new strategies for treatment of MC.
Prediction of Hepatic Fibrosis in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C by Biochemical and Duplex Doppler...
Chronic Hepatitis CHepatic Fibrosis1 moreThe purpose of our prospective study was to evaluate the value of Doppler parameters and compare the diagnostic accuracy of Doppler parameters with various biochemical indices in predicting significant hepatic fibrosis (≥ F2) and cirrhosis (F4) in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients.
Study Investigating Immunological Effects of Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis C Patients.
Hepatitis CLiver2 moreAim To evaluate the effects of peginterferon and ribavirin therapy on the immune response in chronic HCV genotype 1,2 or 3 patients before, during and after treatment. Background Treatment of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) has shown a remarkable success. However, genotype 1 patients have reduced response rates. A better understanding and improvement of these results can now be considered the greatest challenge. In chronically infected patients, HCV-specific immune responses are generally weak, narrowly focused, and often dysfunctional. The presence of HCV-specific cells suppressing the immune response (regulatory T-lymphocytes=Treg) are able to suppress the immune response. These Treg are possibly responsible for the impaired immune response. Previous studies have indicated increased Treg frequency and activity of immune regulating mechanisms, locally in the liver, as a result of HCV re-infection. Hence, these Data highlight the importance of monitoring intrahepatic immune responses in addition to peripheral immune responses. Using the minimally-invasive technique of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), it is now possible to obtain safe and frequent liver samples to monitor local antiviral immune responses in chronic HCV patients during antiviral therapy. Rationale and hypothesis of the study Our previous studies and current literature support the concept that Treg may contribute to HCV persistence by suppressing HCV-spec immune responses. The current study is designed to examine if peginterferon and ribavirin therapy affects the activity of Treg and DC, and if this results in enhanced HCV-specific immune responses. Design Single centre, translational and observational open label study with one arm of 20 genotype 1 patients and one arm of 7 genotype 2/3 patients.
Long-Term Evaluation Follow-up of Neurocognitive Performance and Emotional State in Patients With...
Hepatitis CChronicThis is a long-term evaluation follow-up study of neurocognitive performance and emotional state in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection and a former (peg)interferon alfa-2b-based therapy. M.R. Kraus, G. Teuber, NN, NN (MPsych), M. Scheurlen Questions: Neurocognitive and psychiatric changes induced by interferon alfa-2b therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C - are they fully reversible in long-term follow-up after the end of antiviral treatment? At least 12 months after the end of antiviral treatment - are neurocognitive and mood-related parameters even significantly improved as compared to pretreatment values? Is this possibly only true of patients with successful virus eradication? At least 12 months after the end of antiviral treatment, is there a significant difference between patients with and without sustained virological response with respect to neurocognitive performance, emotional state and quality of life? In the absence of clinically significant liver damage in patients with chronic hepatitis C - does the mere presence of the hepatitis C virus have any significant influence on neurocognitive or attentional performance? Does the study data support an additional indication for antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis C? In the case of successful virus eradication, emotional state and - above all - is neurocognitive performance significantly improved even in the absence of severe liver damage?
Impact of Moderate Alcohol Use on Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Progression
Hepatic FibrogenesisHepatitis CThe purpose of this study is to determine the effect of moderate alcohol intake on liver disease caused by HCV in terms of speed of progression as compared to those not drinking alcohol.
Leukapheresis for Research on HCV-Coinfected Patients
Hepatitis CHIV InfectionsThis study will collect quantities of white blood cells from patients infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) for research on the interactions between HCV and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in people infected with both of these agents. Several studies have shown that infection with HIV adversely affects liver disease due to HCV. Patients 18 years of age and older who are infected with both HCV and HIV or with HCV alone may be eligible for this study. Candidates must not have liver failure and must not be undergoing treatment for HCV at the time of enrollment. Participants will undergo leukapheresis to collect white blood cells. This procedure allows collection of larger numbers of cells than would be possible with simple blood drawing. For the procedure, blood is removed through a needle in the vein of one arm and spun in a machine that separates the blood into its components. The white cells are extracted and the rest of the blood is re-infused through the same needle or through a needle in the other arm. The procedure takes approximately 1-3 hours, depending on the amount of white cells being collected. A maximum of three leukapheresis procedures are done. If additional procedures are required, the patient will sign a new consent form. Procedures will be limited to no more than three times a year, or once every 4 months.
HCV Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence After Directly Acting Antivirals: A Randomized Controlled...
Hepatocellular CarcinomaHepatitis C2 moreData regarding hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after directly acting antivirals (DAAs) given for hepatitis C virus treatment are contradictory. Surprisingly, some studies reported that DAAs are accompanied with higher HCC recurrence. But, other studies showed no rise or even decrease in HCC recurrence. Most of these studies were retrospective and some were non-randomized prospective studies. Here investigators aim to perform a randomized controlled trial to study this issue.
Simplified Antiviral Treatment Strategy for Hepatitis C in Ukraine
Hepatitis C VirusThe project will evaluate cost and treatment outcomes of a simplified Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) testing, treatment and care model integrated with HIV testing and treatment among key affected populations in Ukraine.
Providing PrEP, Hepatitis C Treatment, and MOUD Through Telemedicine at Greensboro SSP
Opioid UseOpioid Use Disorder3 moreThe purpose of this study is to provide medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) with buprenorphine and naloxone, or bup/nx, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention, and/or hepatitis C treatment for persons who inject opioids accessing syringe services programs (SSPs), as part of a comprehensive harm reduction program, and assess the acceptability and feasibility of using telemedicine to implement the program. The initial visit will be conducted in person or remotely via telemedicine given COVID-19 protocols at the SSP site in Greensboro, North Carolina (NC); follow-up visits will be conducted via telemedicine.
Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of the Fixed-dose Combination Sofosdac® 400mg/60mg in Patients...
Chronic Hepatitis cA multicentric, observational, open-design study conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Sofosdac® 400mg/60mg tablets treatment in 100 patients with chronic hepatitis C (HCV)