Portal pressure may persist even after HCV is cleared
A new study has highlighted that some patients with advanced cirrhosis continue to show signs of portal hypertension even after being cured of Hepatitis C virus, or HCV. The research points to immune system patterns that differ based on whether a patient is living with HIV, linking HIV status to distinct immune signatures associated with ongoing portal hypertension.
Portal hypertension refers to increased pressure in the portal vein system, which carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver. In people with cirrhosis, this condition can remain a serious risk factor for complications, including bleeding from enlarged veins and fluid buildup in the abdomen.
HIV status tied to distinct immune signatures
According to the study, HIV status was linked with different immune signatures in patients who had achieved HCV cure but still had persistent portal hypertension. The findings suggest that the immune response may not normalise in the same way for all individuals after HCV is eliminated, especially among those with advanced liver scarring.
The report describes these immune signatures as being associated with the persistence of portal hypertension rather than only with the prior viral infection. This highlights the possibility that factors beyond the clearance of HCV can influence whether portal pressure improves in advanced cirrhosis.
Why this matters in advanced cirrhosis care
HCV cure is a major step in preventing further liver damage. However, the study underscores that for patients with advanced cirrhosis, curing HCV does not always mean portal hypertension will resolve. Persistent portal hypertension can continue to shape clinical risk and follow up needs, even after successful antiviral therapy.
The findings also signal that patients with HIV and advanced cirrhosis may show different immune-related profiles when portal hypertension remains after HCV cure. This could be relevant for clinicians monitoring recovery and complications in people who have had coinfections.
Study source
The research was published by EMJ, a healthcare publication focused on reporting medical developments. The study is titled “Persistent Portal Hypertension After HCV Cure,” and reports that HIV status is linked to distinct immune signatures tied to ongoing portal hypertension after HCV cure in advanced cirrhosis.