Abstract
Background
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays are the standard for detecting hepatitis C virus viremia. The transcription-mediated amplification (TMA)-based assay is more sensitive.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients with a post-end of treatment (EOT) PCR−/TMA+ result to assess the clinical significance of a positive TMA result after a PCR negative EOT response or sustained viral response (SVR). Patients were divided into Group 1: PCR−/TMA+ after EOT response but during 24 week follow-up (n = 4); and Group 2: PCR−/TMA+ after SVR (n = 11).
Results
All Group 1 patients achieved SVR. No Group 2 patients became PCR positive or had a rise in ALT. The TMA subsequently became negative in 6/7 patients with follow-up evaluation.
Conclusions
A discordant positive TMA post-EOT response or SVR did not seem to be clinically significant. This finding supports the possibility that patients with SVR have an acquired immune surveillance that prevents low-level viremia from progressing to clinical relapse.
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Thadani, A., Harley, J., Rubin, J. et al. Clinical Significance of Discordant Positive Hepatitis C Virus Transcription–Mediated Amplification Following End of Treatment Response. Dig Dis Sci 57, 239–242 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-011-1820-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-011-1820-x