Defer or treat? Reasons for treatment decisions in patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 in the early era of directly acting antiviral agents

Abstract Background In chronic genotype 1 hepatitis C, telaprevir or boceprevir plus peginterferon and ribavirin have become the new standard of care. Aim of this study was to identify factors contributing to the decision whether to defer or treat with the current triple regimens. Methods Prospective assessment of eight parameters on 0-4-point scales by the attending physician at a German tertiary referral centre between 1st September 2011 and 31st December 2012. Results 307 patients were evaluated at least once by one of the 11 hepatologists involved; 267 patients were considered, but only 163 were recommended to receive triple therapy. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that a high…