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Sofosbuvir and simeprevir is effective for recurrent hepatitis C in liver transplant recipients
Author(s) -
Saab Sammy,
Greenberg Adam,
Li Edwin,
Bau Sherogashea,
Durazo Francisco,
ElKabany Mohammed,
Han Steven,
Busuttil Ronald W.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
liver international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.873
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1478-3231
pISSN - 1478-3223
DOI - 10.1111/liv.12856
Subject(s) - simeprevir , medicine , sofosbuvir , tolerability , gastroenterology , hepatitis c , adverse effect , liver transplantation , viral load , liver disease , viral hepatitis , daclatasvir , combination therapy , transplantation , hepatitis c virus , immunology , ribavirin , virus
Background & Aims Hepatitis C is the most common indication for liver transplantation ( LT ). Recurrent infection is universal and can lead to progressive liver disease. Widespread use of interferon‐based therapy has been limited by intolerability and adverse effects. Methods We retrospectively evaluated the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of sofosbuvir and simeprevir in the treatment of recurrent hepatitis C in adult (age >18) LT recipients. Results Seventy‐six percent of the recipients were male and the mean age [±standard deviation ( SD )] was 61 (±6.0) years. The mean time (± SD ) from LT to treatment initiation was 71.8 (±77.1) months. Of the 26 patients with viral levels measured 4 weeks after starting antiviral therapy, 58% were undetectable. At the end of therapy, viral load was undetectable in all transplant recipients. The 12 week sustained viral response ( SVR ) was 93%. All recipients were able to complete therapy and no patients required growth factors of blood product transfusion during treatment. No patient required drug interruption of their immunosuppressant therapy. Conclusion The use of sofosbuvir and simeprevir is efficacious, safe, and tolerable and should be considered in LT recipients with recurrent HCV who are candidates for antiviral therapy.