Evaluating Psychiatric Outcomes Associated with Direct-acting Antiviral Treatment in Veterans with Hepatitis C Infection

Introduction: Approximately 70% of veterans with hepatitis C virus infection have at least one psychiatric illness. The advent of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy provided an alternative to interferon-alpha regimens and revolutionized treatment, however, the extent of psychiatric effects attributed to these agents are unclear. The primary objective of this pilot study was to prospectively analyze psychiatric outcomes, specifically depression, in veterans with hepatitis C virus infection who are initiated on DAA therapy.

Methods: In this single center, prospective cohort study, psychiatric outcomes were analyzed using Patient Health Questionnaire assessments at baseline and weeks 4, 8, and 12 of complete DAA treatment. Outcome analysis were stratified based on specific DAA therapy and preexisting mental illness (mental health [MH] subjects and non-MH subjects), with a sub-analysis of major depressive disorder patients.

Results: Analysis included 48 patients, majority males (96%), with a mean age of 59.4 years (±8.0). Twenty-four (50%) patients had a preexisting MH diagnosis, with major depressive disorder being the most common MH diagnosis (50%, n = 12). Despite a trend toward improvement, no significant changes in questionnaire scores after 12 weeks of DAA therapy were observed for all patient groups ( > .05). Neither MH subjects nor non-MH subjects displayed a significant change in questionnaire scores from baseline to end of treatment ( > .05). No patients required acute psychiatric interventions during DAA treatment.

Discussion: Treatment with DAA therapy was not associated with psychiatric decompensation. Data from this pilot study supports the safe utilization of DAA therapy in hepatitis C virus patients with preexisting MH illness as it appears to be devoid of depressive and psychiatric side effects.