Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are highly effective treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. It appears that after successful treatment of HCV the stage of liver fibrosis decreases by time. We aimed to assess changes in liver fibrosis using transient elastography (TE) before and 1 year after DAA therapy in patients diagnosed with chronic HCV and cirrhosis.

In this observational cohort, 100 patients who had cirrhosis due to chronic HCV and were treated with sofosbuvir + daclatasvir (Sovodak, Rojan Pharma, Iran) who had achieved SVR were enrolled. Subjects were enrolled in the hepatitis C clinic of Shariati hospital affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences during 2016 to 2017. Transient elastography was performed (Fibroscan, Echosense, France) before treatment and one year after end of treatment. The primary outcome was change in TE one year after end of treatment relative to baseline.

Following DAA treatment Of the 100 patients who have completed the protocol, 100(%) patients achieved virologic response-12 (SVR-12). Of these patients, 76 were males (76%), mean age was 56.0±10.6 years, and mean body mass index was 25.9±4.4 kg/m2. Mean baseline liver stiffness was 29.97 ±15.10 that was decreased to 22.28±14.57 kPa twelve months after treatment.

Although majority of patient with cirrhosis due to chronic HCV infection are still at risk for liver decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma development, successful HCV eradication in patient with significant liver fibrosis (F4) results in significant decline of liver stiffness.