Does HCV treatment completion affect the neurocognitive outcomes in patients on opioid agonist maintenance treatment: A secondary analysis

Abstract

Aim: This secondary analysis investigated whether completing Direct‑Acting Antiviral (DAA) treatment affects neurocognitive outcomes in patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) undergoing opioid agonist maintenance treatment (OAMT). Methods: Data from 45 participants (22 DAA treatment completers and 23 non-completers) were analyzed. Neurocognitive function was assessed at baseline and six months using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Trail Making Tests (TMT A and B), Visual and Verbal N-Back tests, and Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). Results: General Linear Model (GLM) analysis revealed significant improvements in cognitive function over time in both groups, with notable gains in WCST total correct responses (P < .001) and Visual Working Memory 2 Back hits and errors (P < .001). A significant Group × Time was found for TMT‑B completion time, with non‑completers showing greater improvement (P = .039). Conclusion: These findings highlight that even incomplete DAA treatment, alongside OAMT, yields significant cognitive benefits, underscoring the importance of integrated care.