Sung JC, Bosh C, Wyatt B, et al. - Researchers examined how direct-acting antiviral-based hepatitis C virus (HCV) cure influences patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and liver-related outcomes in real-world patients at a large urban medical center. The Short Form (SF)-36 and three additional validated instruments were used. They defined F3–4 fibrosis as > 9.6 kPa by transient elastography (TE) and S2–3 steatosis as > 270 dB/m by TE-controlled attenuation parameter. They noted a significant 30% improvement in the SF-36 vitality score, measured baseline to achievement of sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR12): 63 vs 82 (n = 111). Improvement in scores in 24 of 25 PRO domains at SVR12 was observed. Almost all gains exceeded 5%, showing their clinical significance. Significant improvement (decrease) in transaminase values and liver stiffness was observed, baseline to SVR12, but no change in steatosis was evident. Improvement in 22 domains was reported for patients with baseline F0–2 fibrosis and also for those with F3–F4 fibrosis. Patients with baseline S0–S1 steatosis vs those with S2–S3 steatosis (19) showed improvement in more domains (23). At baseline, patients with F3–F4 fibrosis and patients with S2–3 steatosis vs patients with F0–2 fibrosis or S0–S1 steatosis had worse scores in certain PRO domains; however, this difference resolved by SVR12. Findings revealed the achievement of meaningful gains in PROs in correlation to HCV cure, and these findings may encourage patients to seek treatment.