요약

Background : Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), leading to liver-related mortality. Because epidemiology and genetic background of HCV patients are different according to the global regions, national representative data is needed to establish optimal strategies of prevention and treatment of HCV infection in Korea.

Objectives : “Korea HCV cohort study” aimed to elucidate risk factors, clinical outcomes and antiviral treatment profile of chronic hepatitis C patients, and to collect plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from the patients for future translational research.

Methods : Adult anti-HCV positive patients were enrolled and underwent a structured questionnaire survey related to the infection risk factors, and blood sampling. The collected blood samples were stored in the national biobank. The subjects were prospectively followed for the clinical outcome development.

Results : From 2017 to 2019, 632 new patients were added in the established Korea HCV cohort. Among them, 220 patients died and 853 patients were lost to follow-up, resulting in the active follow-up rate of 74.3%. A total 7,232 case-reporting forms (CRF) were filled-up, and 2,035 blood samples were collected. We maintained the quality control of our database including update of CRF and coding books, and data clearing. Regular education of research coordinators and regular local monitoring was performed to improved quality of data input.

Conclusion : In the current paradigm shift of HCV treatment and dynamic change of HCV epidemiology, Korea HCV cohort study will continuously provide the representative evidence for making optimal strategy for prevention, screening and treatment of HCV infection in Korea.