Background
The influence of sex on hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related outcomes is often neglected. The effects of sex on liver fibrosis progression and the effect of socioeconomic status on management are unclear.
Patients and methods
Data were evaluated from patients followed at The Ottawa Hospital and Regional Viral Hepatitis Program.
Results
Of 1978 chronic HCV-infected patients, 630 (32%) were women. Women had lower liver enzyme levels, HCV RNA levels, and weight compared with men. Women were more likely to be non-genotype-1 infected, Black or Asian, and immigrants from Africa and Asia (all P<0.01). Under 50 years of age, women on average had lower fibrosis scores than men. Beyond the age of 50 years, the mean fibrosis scores were similar, suggesting a ‘catch-up’ phase. Women were less likely to have initiated interferon-based HCV antiviral therapy (35.3 vs. 43.3%, P=0.01). Crude sustained virological responses were higher in women (65.3 vs. 56.3%, P=0.03), but were similar to men as determined by multivariable analysis (odds ratio: 0.92, 95% confidence interval: 0.58–1.46). Women of low socioeconomic status were more likely to be HIV coinfected and had higher rates of fibrosis progression. Women living in low-income neighborhoods were less likely to achieve sustained virological response (odds ratio: 0.50, 95% confidence interval: 0.34–0.75, P=0.01) compared with women in higher income regions.
Conclusion
Sex differences have been identified as a potential barrier to overcome when managing viral infections. Our analysis suggests that sex influences fibrosis progression, likelihood of initiating HCV antiviral therapy, and treatment outcomes.
