Analysis of each outcome independently in those with severe fibrosis (n = 55) revealed that longer CD4+ telomere length was associated with reduced evolution to HCC [p = 0.003, HR 0.92 (0.87–0.97)] and fewer episodes of hepatic decompensation [p = 0.003, HR 0.93 (0.89–0.98)]. The gene discussed is CD4; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.