In almost all cases, people with an SVR of 24 weeks are unlikely to experience viral rebound (i.e., a return of virus).
Defining SVR and Other Virologic Responses
Following the initiation of hepatitis C therapy, the blood is tested to measure the quantity of the hepatitis C virus (the viral load). The ultimate goal is to achieve an undetectable viral load. “Undetectable,” in this case, doesn’t necessarily mean zero or the complete absence of viral activity in the body; rather, it is defined as having no detectable virus in the blood using current testing technologies.
Each stage of response is given a classification, with some stages correlating to a greater or lesser likelihood of treatment success. Take a look at this chart, below.
Additionally, newer-class direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have had a profound effect on SVR rates in people with chronic HCV infection. Even in people with compensated cirrhosis, who had previously had a 50/50 chance of treatment success, SVR rates have gradually climbed to 95 percent and above in many of these cases.
What Failing to Achieve SVR Means
While the goal of HCV therapy is to effectively eradicate the virus and to allow a person to live a healthy, hepatitis-free life, a patient shouldn’t despair if he or she is unable to achieve these goals. Even if you have only a partial response, studies have shown that the benefits to the liver can be profound—not only slowing the course of the disease but in some cases reversing fibrosis, even in those with marked liver damage.
If you fail your first or second round of therapy, take time to monitor your blood results with your healthcare provider. If you feel that you are ready to try again, your healthcare provider can perform a number of tests to determine which drugs may provide you with the best chance of achieving SVR success.
Reasons Why You May Not Achieve SVR
It’s not entirely clear why a small percentage of patients don’t reach SVR, but the following factors can play a role:
Failure to adhere to treatment or complete treatment The specific genotype of your hepatitis Underlying liver diseaseA drug-resistant virusConcurrent HIVBaseline viral loadAlcohol useAge
Coping With Hepatitis C
Don’t let a hepatitis C infection make you feel isolated. There is help available. Beyond asking your friends and family members to help you during your journey, you may find comfort joining the active hepatitis C community online or a chronic hepatitis support group. Also, learning more about chronic hepatitis nutrition can both make you feel better and potentially improve your treatment response.
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