Effects and Safety Evaluation of Antiviral Therapy on Virus Clearance, Liver Function, and Clinical Prognosis in Athletes with Decompensated Hepatitis C: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of antiviral therapy on virus clearance, liver function, and clinical prognosis in athletes with decompensated Hepatitis C.

Methods: Systematic searches of major online databases were conducted for randomized controlled trials evaluating antiviral therapy in patients with decompensated Hepatitis C, dating from January 2010. Data collection and meta-analysis were performed independently by two researchers, with a rigorous assessment of bias risks.

Results: The meta-analysis included six controlled studies, totaling 418 participants. Post-treatment assessments showed significant improvements in the athletes' liver function, with reductions in bilirubin, AST, and ALT levels, and increases in albumin levels (P<0.05). Markers of liver fibrosis such as hyaluronic acid, type III procollagen, and laminin also improved, indicating reduced fibrotic activity. Child-Pugh scores, which assess liver disease severity, significantly decreased, demonstrating improved liver status post-treatment. Additionally, the sustained virological response (SVR) rate was higher in the treatment group (P<0.05), indicating effective virus clearance. Despite some asymmetry in study data distributions, suggesting potential publication bias, the findings highlight significant clinical benefits.

Conclusion: Antiviral therapy significantly improves liver function, enhances virus clearance, and improves clinical outcomes in athletes with decompensated Hepatitis C, enabling better management of their condition and potentially facilitating quicker returns to athletic activities. Further studies are needed to consolidate these findings and optimize treatment protocols in this specific population.