American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What defines a sustained virologic response (SVR) in HCV treatment?

1. Undetectable HCV RNA for 3 months

2. Undetectable HCV RNA for 6 months

3. Undetectable HCV RNA for 12 months

4. Undetectable HCV RNA for 2 months

The correct answer is: Undetectable HCV RNA for 6 months

A sustained virologic response (SVR) in the context of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment is defined as having undetectable levels of HCV RNA in the bloodstream at least 6 months after the completion of antiviral therapy. This timeframe is important because achieving SVR indicates that the virus has been effectively eradicated from the body, significantly reducing the risk of liver-related complications and the likelihood of disease progression. The significance of the 6-month duration is rooted in clinical studies that have shown this timeline is a reliable indicator of long-term virologic response. Patients who attain an SVR at this benchmark are considered cured of their hepatitis C infection, as it is highly unlikely for the virus to re-emerge after this period. Other durations mentioned do not align with the accepted definition of SVR. A timeframe shorter than 6 months, while indicating initial response, does not necessarily confirm sustained control of the infection. Thus, the 6-month benchmark represents a critical point in the management and evaluation of treatment effectiveness for HCV.