HEPATITIS C TREATMENT OF RENAL TRANSPLANT AND CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS: EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF DIRECT-ACTING ANTIVIRAL REGIMENS CONTAINING SOFOSBUVIR.

Hepatitis C Treatment for Renal Transplant and CKD Patients

This study addresses the efficacy and safety of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), specifically those containing sofosbuvir (SOF), for the treatment of hepatitis C in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and after renal transplantation. The authors sought to clarify the use of SOF in patients with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 30 mL/min, a topic of ongoing debate. Their study, conducted at a referral center in Brazil, included 241 patients with hepatitis C and either CKD or a renal transplant who received DAAs between January 2016 and August 2017. The primary outcomes assessed were sustained virological response (SVR) rates, safety, and the impact of SOF on renal function in non-dialysis patients. The study found that SOF-containing DAAs were safe and effective in CKD patients, achieving high SVR rates with good tolerability and few severe adverse events. The authors also observed that the combination of SOF with ribavirin increased the risk of anemia. Importantly, SOF did not significantly impact renal function in patients with GFR less than 30 mL/min, with serum creatinine returning to baseline levels after treatment.

Effective and Safe Treatment for Hepatitis C in CKD Patients

This study provides encouraging evidence regarding the effectiveness and safety of SOF-containing DAA regimens for the treatment of hepatitis C in CKD patients, including those with GFR less than 30 mL/min. The high SVR rates and favorable safety profile suggest that these regimens can be effectively integrated into the management of hepatitis C in this vulnerable patient population.

Implications for CKD Management

This research underscores the need for continued vigilance in monitoring renal function during and after SOF treatment, particularly in patients with GFR less than 30 mL/min. The study's findings may contribute to the development of more tailored treatment approaches for hepatitis C in CKD patients, taking into account individual factors such as GFR and the potential for anemia when ribavirin is combined with SOF.

Dr. Camel's Conclusion

Like a desert river providing life-sustaining water, SOF-containing DAAs offer hope for individuals with CKD and hepatitis C. This research provides valuable evidence supporting the effectiveness and safety of these regimens, paving the way for improved treatment outcomes in this challenging patient population.