Symptoms and functioning improve after chronic hepatitis C cure as assessed by the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale and PROMIS measures.

The benefits of chronic hepatitis C viral (HCV) cure on various aspects of patients’ health experiences may be under-appreciated. The aim of this study was to conduct an in-depth evaluation of change in a comprehensive set of patient-reported symptoms and aspects of life functioning after achieving HCV cure using validated instruments. Patients completed the 32-item Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS) and several Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS®) measures prior to DAA treatment and up to 10 months after viral cure. Pre- and post-MSAS scores for all 32 individual symptoms, three subscales, and a total symptom score, and several PROMIS T-scores were compared. The total MSAS score, Physical subscale and Psychological subscale scores all improved by 28 to 33% (p<0.01) and numerous previously unidentified HCV-associated symptoms improved by 30 to 100% from baseline scores. Significant improvements in gastrointestinal, mood, sleep, fatigue, and cognition concerns, as well as stigma were observed using the PROMIS measures by 5 to 11%. Improvements in previously unidentified symptoms, stigma, and other aspects of life functioning provide additional support for the substantial personal benefits bestowed upon individuals who are cured of HCV, and support health policy, payer, and pharmaceutical decisions to ubiquitiously treat all people infected with this life-impairing infectious disease.

Duke Scholars

Author Bryce B. Reeve Population Health Sciences