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Hep C Discussion Forum -> On Treatment -> Staying Undetected - "pockets" of Hep C in the body
Post Info TOPIC: Staying Undetected - "pockets" of Hep C in the body
hepcsurvivor


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RE: Staying Undetected - "pockets" of Hep C in the body
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mallani wrote:

Hi Gary,

We have discussed the reasons for relapse several times.

Remember that, even if you're Undet., there is still a tiny amount of virus circulating. The body has learned how to cope with this using our own defences. If our immune system is compromised, the virus may reappear. Whether relapse is due to re-activation of circulating virus, or whether it comes from 'reserves' is still unclear. Virus can enter ( and damage) cells of virtually every body system. This is why HepC can cause multiple problems, not just in the liver.  Whether the virus can replicate in non-hepatic cells is also controversial. It has been shown virus can replicate in blood monocytes, and probably in lymphoid tissue.

Patients with liver scars, often have hidden reserves of virus hidden in poorly perfused connective tissue. This is why patients with F3-4 and F4 damage didn't do as well on previous Rxs.  Long treatment duration and maximum dose was required. The virus is not only in hepatocytes- it has been found in macrophages, stellate and K. cells, and even in cells lining blood vessels. My doc firmly believes that most patients relapse due to residual virus in the liver.

Ribavirin readily crosses the blood-brain barrier, and from it's structure, Sovaldi should do likewise.

Probably not wise to worry about such matters, as they probably won't apply to you. Cheers.

Thank you the valuable info Mallani.  It is mildly encouraging, and I agree that worrying about it will not help. Just checking to see that I am doing everything I can to not let this happen.

Gary



__________________

Genotype 3A. Failed Peg and Ribivarin about 2006. Currently UND after 1 month Sovaldi and Ribavirin.
mallani


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Hi Gary,

We have discussed the reasons for relapse several times.

Remember that, even if you're Undet., there is still a tiny amount of virus circulating. The body has learned how to cope with this using our own defences. If our immune system is compromised, the virus may reappear. Whether relapse is due to re-activation of circulating virus, or whether it comes from 'reserves' is still unclear. Virus can enter ( and damage) cells of virtually every body system. This is why HepC can cause multiple problems, not just in the liver.  Whether the virus can replicate in non-hepatic cells is also controversial. It has been shown virus can replicate in blood monocytes, and probably in lymphoid tissue.

Patients with liver scars, often have hidden reserves of virus hidden in poorly perfused connective tissue. This is why patients with F3-4 and F4 damage didn't do as well on previous Rxs.  Long treatment duration and maximum dose was required. The virus is not only in hepatocytes- it has been found in macrophages, stellate and K. cells, and even in cells lining blood vessels. My doc firmly believes that most patients relapse due to residual virus in the liver.

Ribavirin readily crosses the blood-brain barrier, and from it's structure, Sovaldi should do likewise.

Probably not wise to worry about such matters, as they probably won't apply to you. Cheers.



__________________

Geno 1b, IL28B CT,  x3 prior relapser,  ex-cirrhotic, 75 yo, did 48 weeks with Victrelis/Peg./Riba.  VL 1.28m at start, UNDET. at 8 ,12 ,16 ,24 ,30  and 48 weeks.  EOT 15 Feb 2013 , UNDET. at EOT + 28 weeks. SVR!  Still Undet. at EOT +5 years

Malcolm
Matt Chris


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Hey Hepcsurvivor

Very interesting topic, I heard or read something about this but can't remember where.

I thought before that a person could make a topical salve from one pill and spread it where necessary. Would be quite a expensive ointment if made with Sovaldi.

matt

     



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"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make"

61 year old Geno type A1, F4 Cirrhotic, started 24 weeks on Harvoni 12-17-14 ,EOT-5 week = UND, 8-31-15 =UND , SVR-24 Baby YES! 
hepcsurvivor


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Zlikster wrote:

Hi Gary,

how was situation with your tx and relapse in 2006? I am also GT3, relapsed in first 2 months post tx (Riba+Peg 23weeks). Hoping i can nail this year or next year some Sovaldi. Did u had vl check on 2nd week or just 4th week on Sovaldi+Riba? Are you on 24weeks?

cheers

Hi Zlikster,

Its a little fuzzy now but, I think I relapsed right away back then. The thing is, I had to lower my dosage because at that time my WBC count was getting scary and my Doc was wigging out. Anyway, it failed.

For my current TX, the 1 month check is the first I have had. I guess everyone's Doc/Insurance handles this differently.

I am on the 24 week path. I wish us both the best!

Gary

 

 



__________________

Genotype 3A. Failed Peg and Ribivarin about 2006. Currently UND after 1 month Sovaldi and Ribavirin.
Zlikster


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Hi Gary,

how was situation with your tx and relapse in 2006? I am also GT3, relapsed in first 2 months post tx (Riba+Peg 23weeks). Hoping i can nail this year or next year some Sovaldi. Did u had vl check on 2nd week or just 4th week on Sovaldi+Riba? Are you on 24weeks?

cheers

__________________

GT 3 dg. 08-2012 / FibroScan: 5 kPa F1 / FibroTest: F0-1 A1 / SoC TX: PegInt 120mcg+Riba 1000mg UND from w8 relapse EOT+4w
01-2016 Sof+Dac+Riba UND from w8, SVR24!
hepcsurvivor


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Hi,

I asked my Doc ( a while ago) why Hep C comes back sometimes, and I  believe she said something about "pockets" where the virus hides out.

If I recall correctly she may have mentioned the brain, and for men the testes as sites that are harder to penetrate.

Has anyone any links or more knowledge about this? What I am after is to discover anything that can be done to help the body in this regard.

Gary

Edit: Does anyone know if Sovaldi and or Ribavirin has difficulty penetrating the blood brain barrier? I realize this is probably better answered by the companies that researched and tested the drugs, but I would be surprised to get an answer from these corporations.

 



-- Edited by hepcsurvivor on Thursday 20th of February 2014 03:45:47 AM

__________________

Genotype 3A. Failed Peg and Ribivarin about 2006. Currently UND after 1 month Sovaldi and Ribavirin.
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