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Kato K, Umetsu S, Togawa T, Ito K, Kawabata T, Arinaga-Hino T, Tsumura N, Yasuda R, Mihara Y, Kusano H, Ito S, Imagawa K, Hayashi H, Inui A, Yamashita Y, Mizuochi T. Clinicopathologic Features, Genetics, Treatment, and Long-Term Outcomes in Japanese Children and Young Adults with Benign Recurrent Intrahepatic Cholestasis: A Multicenter Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5979. [PMID: 37762919 PMCID: PMC10532077 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12185979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few reports of benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis (BRIC) have focused on East Asian patients. We describe the clinicopathologic features, genetics, treatment, and outcomes in Japanese BRIC patients. METHODS We recruited patients with BRIC type 1 (BRIC-1) or 2 (BRIC-2) treated at four pediatric centers and one adult center between April 2007 and March 2022. Demographics, clinical course, laboratory results, molecular genetic findings concerning ATP8B1 and ABCB11 genes, histopathology, and treatment response were examined retrospectively. RESULTS Seven Japanese patients with BRIC were enrolled (four male, three female; four BRIC-1 and three BRIC-2). The median age at onset for BRIC-1 was 12 years; for BRIC-2, it was 1 month. Intermittent cholestatic attacks numbered from one to eight during the 11 years of median follow-up. Six patients received a mainstream education; only one patient attended special education. None developed cirrhosis. Three with BRIC-1 showed compound heterozygosity for a variant ATP8B1 gene, while one was heterozygous; two BRIC-2 patients showed compound heterozygosity in ABCB11 and one was heterozygous. Liver biopsy specimens obtained during cholestatic attacks showed fibrosis varying from none to moderate; inflammation was absent or mild. Rifampicin administered to three patients for cholestatic attacks was effective in all, as was cholestyramine in two of three. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first East Asian multicenter study of BRIC patients. Onset age and number of cholestatic attacks varied. Rifampicin and cholestyramine were effective against attacks. No patient developed cirrhosis; most had normal growth and development. The long-term outcomes were satisfactory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Kato
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
| | - Shuichiro Umetsu
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Saiseikai Yokohamashi Tobu Hospital, Yokohama 230-0012, Japan
| | - Takao Togawa
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Koichi Ito
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Kawabata
- Department of Pediatrics, Ishikawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Kanazawa 920-8530, Japan
| | - Teruko Arinaga-Hino
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
| | - Naoya Tsumura
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Yasuda
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
| | - Yutaro Mihara
- Department of Pathology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
| | - Hironori Kusano
- Department of Pathology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
| | - Shogo Ito
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Kazuo Imagawa
- Department of Child Health, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8546, Japan
| | - Hisamitsu Hayashi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacokinetics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Ayano Inui
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Saiseikai Yokohamashi Tobu Hospital, Yokohama 230-0012, Japan
| | - Yushiro Yamashita
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
| | - Tatsuki Mizuochi
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
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Real-world efficacy and safety of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in Japanese adolescents with chronic hepatitis C: a prospective multicenter study. J Gastroenterol 2023; 58:405-412. [PMID: 36790540 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-023-01968-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Part 1 of the DORA study, a 2019 international clinical trial of glecaprevir and pibrentasvir (G/P) treatment in adolescents with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, demonstrated high efficacy and safety. However, few reports have considered real-world experience with G/P treatment in adolescents with chronic HCV. The present prospective multicenter study assessed real-world efficacy and safety of G/P treatment in Japanese adolescents with chronic HCV. METHODS Subjects between 12 and 17 years old who were treatment-naïve or previously managed with interferon-based regimens were prospectively enrolled and treated with G/P (300 mg/120 mg) once daily for 8 or 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after treatment completion (SVR12). Adverse effects and laboratory abnormalities were assessed. RESULTS Twenty-five Japanese patients (15 female) were enrolled from 13 pediatric centers in Japan. Median age was 13 years (range 12-17). Numbers of patients with genotypes 1b, 2a, 2b, and 2b/1b were 6, 12, 6, and 1, respectively. Twenty-two were treatment-naïve, while three had experienced interferon-based treatments. All patients completed G/P treatment (24 for 8 weeks and 1 for 12). Twenty-four achieved SVR12 (96%). Most adverse events were mild. None were serious. G/P significantly decreased serum alanine aminotransferase, γ-glutamyltransferase, and Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive Mac-2-binding protein concentrations. No negative effects on growth or maturation were apparent at 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS Under real-world conditions, G/P treatment of Japanese adolescents with chronic HCV was highly efficacious and well tolerated.
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Venkatesh V, Seetharaman K, Anushree N. Treatment of hepatitis C in children and adolescents: how far have we reached? World J Pediatr 2023; 19:107-119. [PMID: 36129634 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-022-00612-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global public health problem and also generates a significant case load in children and adolescents. With the introduction of directly acting antivirals (DAA), the treatment and care of HCV-infected patients have progressed significantly. The available treatment options in children are limited, and this review aims to provide an overview of treatment of HCV infection in children and adolescents with the current available DAA regimens. DATA SOURCES This comprehensive review was undertaken after searching the PubMed/Medline and Embase databases for the available up-to-date literature on pediatric HCV infection and treatment using hepatitis C virus infection/HCV, directly acting antivirals/DAA, natural history, treatment, pediatrics, children, and adolescents as keywords. RESULTS Combination therapies with highly effective DAA regimes, such as sofosbuvir/ledipasvir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, sofosbuvir/daclatasvir, sofosbuvir/ribavirin and others, are available for use in children. Most of the DAA regimens have either received or are pending to receive regulatory approval by different medical/drug agencies for use in children and adolescents. Pan-genotypic regimens are also available in children and adolescents, and these regimens can be used while skipping genotype testing. CONCLUSION The literature on different DAA regimens for use in children shows that these regimens have higher cure rates with minimal side effects and shorter duration of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vybhav Venkatesh
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatobiliary Sciences, IMS and SUM Hospital, SOA University, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Keerthivasan Seetharaman
- Department of Pediatrics, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College and Hospital, Puducherry, India
| | - Neha Anushree
- Department of Pediatrics, Command Hospital-Southern Command, Pune, 411040, India.
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4
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Tajiri H, Suzuki M, Bessho K, Ito Y, Murakami J, Hatori R, Takano T, Miyoshi Y, Brooks S. The role of serum Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive Mac-2 binding protein in the assessment of fibrosis in children with chronic hepatitis C. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11205. [PMID: 35778417 PMCID: PMC9249794 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14553-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
At present, noninvasive fibrosis markers are not available for the assessment of liver fibrosis in children with chronic hepatitis C. Sixty-three children with chronic hepatitis C were included. Changes in Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive Mac-2 binding protein (M2BPGi) levels were evaluated in l3 of 27 treatment-naive patients during the natural course of disease (median 4, range 3–6 years). Changes during treatment were evaluated in 27 of 36 patients for 4 (2–9) years of posttreatment follow-up. There were significant differences in the levels of M2BPGi between control group and HCV F0 group (P = 0.002) and between control group and HCV F1 group (P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that to discriminate stage F1 fibrosis from F0, the cut-off value was 0.95 for M2BPGi with a sensitivity of 52%, specificity of 90%, and area under the curve of 0.687. A substantial decrease in M2BPGi levels by treatment was shown from 0.98 ± 0.57 at pretreatment to 0.42 ± 0.15 at posttreatment (P < 0.001) in the 27 treated patients. Our study shows new findings that M2BPGi may be useful to predict the presence of a mild degree of fibrosis in children with chronic hepatitis C, and such mild fibrosis may be quickly resolved by treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Tajiri
- Department of Pediatrics, Kinki University Faculty of Medicine, 377-2 Ohno-higashi, Osaka-Sayama, Japan.
| | - Mitsuyoshi Suzuki
- Department of Pediatrics, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Bessho
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Ito
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Jun Murakami
- Division of Pediatrics and Perinatology, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine, Tottori, Japan
| | - Reiko Hatori
- Department of Pediatrics, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Tomoko Takano
- Department of Pediatrics, Osaka General Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoko Miyoshi
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Stephen Brooks
- Department of Microbiology/Immunology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, USA
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Sakaguchi H, Konishi KI, Yasuda R, Sasaki H, Yoshimaru K, Tainaka T, Fukahori S, Sanada Y, Iwama I, Shoji H, Kinoshita M, Matsuura T, Fujishiro J, Uchida H, Nio M, Yamashita Y, Mizuochi T. Serum matrix metalloproteinase-7 in biliary atresia: A Japanese multicenter study. Hepatol Res 2022; 52:479-487. [PMID: 35106887 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biliary atresia (BA) is among the commonest indications for liver transplantation (LT) in children. We examined whether serum matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) is useful for diagnosis of BA in Japanese infants, and whether serum MMP-7 concentrations before and after Kasai portoenterostomy (KP) predicted LT within a year. METHODS Subjects under 6 months old at eight pediatric centers in Japan were enrolled retrospectively, including patients with cholestasis and normal controls (NC) without liver disease. Patients with cholestasis were divided into groups representing BA versus cholestasis from other causes (non-BA). Serum samples were collected from patients with BA at diagnosis and 1 and 4 weeks after KP, as well as from non-BA and NC. RESULTS Serum MMP-7 concentrations were significantly higher in BA at diagnosis (median, 89.1 ng/ml) than in non-BA (11.0; p < 0.001) or NC (10.3; p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of MMP-7 for BA versus non-BA yielded an area under the ROC curve of 0.99 (95% confidence interval, 0.96-1.00). An optimal cut-off value of 18.6 ng/ml for serum MMP-7 in diagnosing BA demonstrated sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 90%, respectively. Serum MMP-7 before and 1 week and 4 weeks after KP did not differ significantly between BA requiring only KP and BA requiring LT after KP. CONCLUSION Serum MMP-7 is a useful marker for diagnosis of BA in Japanese infants, but it could not predict LT within a year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotaka Sakaguchi
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichiro Konishi
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Yasuda
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Sasaki
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Koichiro Yoshimaru
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takahisa Tainaka
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Suguru Fukahori
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Sanada
- Department of Surgery, Division of Gastroenterological, General and Transplant Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Itaru Iwama
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Shoji
- Department of Pediatrics, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kinoshita
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Toshiharu Matsuura
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Jun Fujishiro
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroo Uchida
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masaki Nio
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yushiro Yamashita
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Tatsuki Mizuochi
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
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Sato K, Yamazaki Y, Kanayama Y, Uehara D, Tojima H, Suga T, Kakizaki S, Sohara N, Horiguchi N, Uraoka T. Adolescents with chronic hepatitis C might be good candidates for direct‐acting antiviral therapy. Clin Case Rep 2022; 10:e05690. [PMID: 35414915 PMCID: PMC8980949 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.5690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Three Japanese adolescents with chronic hepatitis C were treated by direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs). No adverse events or laboratory abnormalities were observed during and after DAA therapy, and a sustained virological response was achieved in all cases. The emotional functioning of the patients and their mothers were improved after DAA therapy. The efficacy/safety of therapy with direct‐acting antivirals for chronic hepatitis C in Japanese adolescents were favorable and the improvement of emotional functioning of them and their mothers by viral eradication was observed in all cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Sato
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine Gunma Japan
- Department of Hepatology Heisei Hidaka Clinic Gunma Japan
| | - Yuichi Yamazaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine Gunma Japan
| | - Yuki Kanayama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine Gunma Japan
| | - Daisuke Uehara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine Gunma Japan
| | - Hiroki Tojima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine Gunma Japan
| | - Takayoshi Suga
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine Gunma Japan
| | - Satoru Kakizaki
- Department of Gastroenterology National Hospital Organization Takasaki General Medical Center Gunma Japan
| | | | - Norio Horiguchi
- Department of General Medicine Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine Gunma Japan
| | - Toshio Uraoka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine Gunma Japan
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Tajiri H, Bessho K, Nakayama Y, Abukawa D, Iitsuka Y, Ito Y, Inui A, Etani Y, Suzuki M, Takano T, Tanaka A, Mizuochi T, Miyoshi Y, Murakami J. Clinical practice guidelines for the management of children with mother-to-child transmitted hepatitis C virus infection. Pediatr Int 2022; 64:e14962. [PMID: 35224815 DOI: 10.1111/ped.14962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The first guidelines for care of pregnant women carrying the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and their infants were published in 2005 in Japan. Since then, evidence has gradually accumulated worldwide regarding the natural course and treatment of this condition and, especially in recent years, treatment for chronic hepatitis C in adult patients has made great progress. However, the clinical practice policy for children has not been standardized, and new clinical practice guidelines for children with mother-to-child (MTC) transmitted HCV infection have become necessary. METHODS In the development of the current guideline, we requested cooperation from The Japanese Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases, The Japan Society of Hepatology, and the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The committee members were recommended and approved by each society to participate in developing the guidelines. The guideline was also created in accordance with the Minds Guide for Practice Guideline Development. The statements were prepared by consensus-building using the Delphi method, based on the comprehensively searched academic papers and guidelines. These articles were retrieved through searching the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and the Igaku Chuo Zasshi databases. RESULTS Eight clinical questions (CQs) with clinical statements were developed regarding etiology (CQs 1-3), diagnosis (CQs 4 and 5), and treatment (two CQs 6 and 7). In each statement, the consensus rate, evidence level, and recommendation level were determined. CONCLUSION The guidelines will be helpful in the management of children with hepatitis C MTC transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Tajiri
- Department of Pediatrics, Osaka General Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Bessho
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Nakayama
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Daiki Abukawa
- Division of General Pediatrics and Gastroenterology, Miyagi Children's Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Iitsuka
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Chiba Kaihin Municipal Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Ito
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Ayano Inui
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Saiseikai Yokohama City Tobu Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yuri Etani
- Department of Gastroenterology Nutrition and Endocrinology, Osaka Women's and Children's Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mitsuyoshi Suzuki
- Department of Pediatrics, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Takano
- Department of Pediatrics, Osaka General Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuki Mizuochi
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Yoko Miyoshi
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jun Murakami
- Division of Pediatrics and Perinatology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
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8
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Kondou H. Current management of children with hepatitis C virus mother-to-child transmission. Pediatr Int 2022; 64:e15053. [PMID: 35175674 DOI: 10.1111/ped.15053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Kondou
- Department of Pediatrics, Kindai University Nara Hospital, Nara, Japan
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9
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Alqahtani SA, Colombo MG. Treating paediatric hepatitis C in the era of direct-acting antiviral agents. Liver Int 2021; 41:1189-1200. [PMID: 33533543 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence and burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in children are poorly understood mainly as a result of the fact that studies in this population have largely been done in high-risk groups and in highly endemic regions. Epidemiological studies estimate the viraemic prevalence in the paediatric population aged 0-18 years at 0.13%, corresponding to 3.26 million children with HCV in 2018. While vertical transmission occurs in up to 5% of neonates born to infected mothers, with preference for those with high viral load and co-infection with the human immunodeficiency virus, injection drug use is the prevalent modality of HCV infection among adolescents. Notwithstanding the fact that HCV usually has an indolent course in children and adolescents, hepatitis C may progress to significant liver disease in a fraction of patients. The finding of severe disease or cirrhosis in a minority of paediatric patients with HCV underscores the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in order to prevent long-term morbidity. Universal screening of HCV in pregnant women is key to identify infants exposed to such a risk and link them to care. Recently, direct-acting antiviral drugs proved to be as safe and effective in young HCV patients as in adults, and these agents are now approved for treatment of paediatric patients as young as 3 years. This review provides a contemporary overview of the HCV disease burden in children, with a particular focus on its treatment in the era of direct-acting antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh A Alqahtani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Liver Transplant Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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10
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Mari PC, Gulati R, Fragassi P. Adolescent Hepatitis C: Prevalence, Impact, and Management Challenges. ADOLESCENT HEALTH MEDICINE AND THERAPEUTICS 2021; 12:45-53. [PMID: 33994820 PMCID: PMC8112853 DOI: 10.2147/ahmt.s263864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of Hepatitis C virus infection (HCV), a leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, is rising in the United States (US) and other high-income countries, especially among youth and young adults. This surge in cases is closely associated with the opioid crisis and intravenous drug use (IVDU). However, its prevalence and impact on the adolescent population have not been thoroughly studied and therefore is poorly understood. The pediatric population tends to have milder liver disease and progression when compared to adults; however, there is a risk of developing liver cirrhosis, in addition to facing decreased quality of life and stigmatization from the disease. The recent approval of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens for all HCV genotypes and age greater than 3 years has revolutionized its management. Therapy has shifted from the prolonged interferon-based regimens, to shorter duration, once daily oral pills that are highly effective, curative and with fewer side effects. Therapy is now indicated for all adolescents with hepatitis C virus infection, regardless of stage of liver disease, recent IVDU, or coinfection with HIV, therefore eliminating a lifetime risk of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocarcinoma. Nonetheless, adolescents are rarely tested or treated for hepatitis C infection, and very few adolescents complete therapy. Implementation of point of care (POC) testing of high-risk youth at drug treatment centers or other juvenile facilities may be a good strategy to increase testing, diagnosis and therapy. This review article aims to educate pediatricians and other primary care providers to help decrease the existing knowledge gap on the subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Chaves Mari
- Department of Pediatrics, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Reema Gulati
- Department of Pediatrics, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Philip Fragassi
- Department of Pediatrics, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
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11
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Clemente MG, Antonucci R, Sotgiu G, Dettori M, Piana A, Vajro P. Present and future management of viral hepatitis B and C in children. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2020; 44:801-809. [PMID: 32173307 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2020.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Having a hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection places a child at higher risk for subsequent chronic hepatitis B (CHB) or chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection. The risk of mother-to-child transmission is higher for HBV (20% to 90%) than for HCV (<5%). Perinatal HBV infection generally causes CHB infection while perinatal HCV infection has a certain rate of spontaneous viral clearance (around 20% to 30%). Of the two, only HBV infection can benefit from passive/active perinatal immunoprophylaxis. The risk of CHB in children with HBV horizontal transmission decreases with age, whereas HCV transmission among teenagers commonly results into a long-life infection and CHC infection. Children with CHB or CHC should be carefully assessed for the need for antiviral treatment. When treatment cannot be deferred, pediatric CHB infection has different first-line treatment options: standard interferon (for children aged≥1 year), pegylated interferon (for children aged≥3 years), and the oral nucleotide analogues entecavir (for children aged≥2 years) and tenofovir (for children aged≥12 years). The choice of treatment depends on the child's age, virus genotypes, previous treatment failure and presence of contraindications. Expected responsiveness rate is 25% of hepatitis B e-antigen clearance, with both standard interferon and nucleotide analogues. Direct antiviral agents are first-line treatment for CHC infection in children aged 3 years or older. Hepatitis C virus sustained virus response is as high as 97%. Therefore, if direct antiviral agents can be proven to be safe and well tolerated in very young children, HCV eradication could be planned after the first screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Clemente
- Pediatric Clinic, Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Statistics Unit, Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari (SS), Italy.
| | - Roberto Antonucci
- Pediatric Clinic, Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Statistics Unit, Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari (SS), Italy
| | - Giovanni Sotgiu
- Pediatric Clinic, Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Statistics Unit, Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari (SS), Italy
| | - Marco Dettori
- Pediatric Clinic, Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Statistics Unit, Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari (SS), Italy
| | - Andrea Piana
- Pediatric Clinic, Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Statistics Unit, Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari (SS), Italy
| | - Pietro Vajro
- Pediatrics - Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi (SA), Italy
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12
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Hepatitis C in 2020: A North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Position Paper. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2020; 71:407-417. [PMID: 32826718 DOI: 10.1097/mpg.0000000000002814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In 1989, a collaboration between the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and a California biotechnology company identified the hepatitis C virus (HCV, formerly known as non-A, non-B hepatitis virus) as the causative agent in the epidemic of silent posttransfusion hepatitis resulting in cirrhosis. We now know that, the HCV genome is a 9.6 kb positive, single-stranded RNA. A single open reading frame encodes a 3011 amino acid residue polyprotein that undergoes proteolysis to yield 10 individual gene products, consisting of 3 structural proteins (core and envelope glycoproteins E1 and E2) and 7 nonstructural (NS) proteins (p7, NS2, NS3, NS4A, NS4B, NS5A, and NS5B), which participate in posttranslational proteolytic processing and replication of HCV genetic material. Less than 25 years later, a new class of medications, known as direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) which target these proteins, were introduced to treat HCV infection. These highly effective antiviral agents are now approved for use in children as young as 3 years of age and have demonstrated sustained virologic responses exceeding 90% in most genotypes. Although tremendous scientific progress has been made, the incidence of acute HCV infections has increased by 4-fold since 2005, compounded in the last decade by a surge in opioid and intravenous drug use. Unfortunately, awareness of this deadly hepatotropic virus among members of the lay public remains limited. Patient education, advocacy, and counseling must, therefore, complement the availability of curative treatments against HCV infection if this virus is to be eradicated.
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13
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Ohya K, Kawaoka T, Imamura M, Morio K, Nakahara T, Murakami E, Yamauchi M, Hiramatsu A, Tsuge M, Aikata H, Chayama K. Three Children Treated with Direct-acting Antivirals for Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1b Infection. Intern Med 2020; 59:941-944. [PMID: 31813916 PMCID: PMC7184084 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.3824-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have significantly increased the sustained virological response (SVR) rates in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected adult patients, the efficacy and safety for children remain unclear. We herein report three HCV-infected children who received DAA treatment. The patients were girls 10-13 years old who had been infected with genotype 1b HCV by vertical transmission based on a phylogenetic tree analysis. Two patients were treated with 12 weeks of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, and the other patient was treated with 8 weeks of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir. All children received DAA doses that were similar to the dosages for adult patients. None developed adverse events, and all children achieved an SVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Ohya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Kawaoka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
| | - Michio Imamura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
| | - Kei Morio
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
| | - Takashi Nakahara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
| | - Eisuke Murakami
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
| | - Masami Yamauchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
| | - Akira Hiramatsu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
| | - Masataka Tsuge
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Aikata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Chayama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Hiroshima University Hospital, Japan
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14
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Morgan TR. Hepatitis C Guidance 2019 Update: American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases-Infectious Diseases Society of America Recommendations for Testing, Managing, and Treating Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Hepatology 2020; 71:686-721. [PMID: 31816111 PMCID: PMC9710295 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 461] [Impact Index Per Article: 115.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Timothy R. Morgan
- Chief of Hepatology Veterans Affairs Long Beach Healthcare System Long Beach CA
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15
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El-Shabrawi M, Hassanin F. Paediatric hepatitis C virus infection and its treatment: Present, past, and future. Arab J Gastroenterol 2019; 20:163-174. [PMID: 31585703 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajg.2019.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease in the world. It is a challenging medico-social problem in the paediatric population. High HCV infection rates are reported in low and middle incomes countries. From the health economic point of view treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) with subsequent virus eradication is very effective as it eliminates the long-term sequelae of untreated or maltreated HCV. In this review we summarize the updates and highlight the historical approach of treatment of chronic HCV infection in children in the new era of directly acting antiviral (DAA) agents.
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16
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Indolfi G, Easterbrook P, Dusheiko G, El-Sayed MH, Jonas MM, Thorne C, Bulterys M, Siberry G, Walsh N, Chang MH, Meyers T, Giaquinto C, Wirth S, Chan PL, Penazzato M. Hepatitis C virus infection in children and adolescents. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 4:477-487. [PMID: 30982721 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(19)30046-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Revised: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease and associated morbidity and mortality worldwide. Short-course, oral, curative, direct-acting antiviral regimens have transformed treatment for HCV infection. Since the 2016 launch of the first global strategy towards elimination of viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, the predominant focus of the global response has been on the treatment of adults, who bear the greatest burden of morbidity and mortality of HCV-related chronic liver disease. Compared with adults, there has been little attention paid to addressing the response to HCV in children and adolescents, in part because of the scarcity of data to inform specific paediatric management practices and policy. In this Series paper, we summarise knowledge on the epidemiology, natural history, and treatment of chronic HCV infection in adolescents and children, and we highlight key differences from infection acquired in adulthood. The estimated global prevalence and burden of HCV infection in children aged 1-19 years is 0·15%, corresponding to 3·5 million people (95% CI 3·1-3·9 million). HCV infection is usually asymptomatic during childhood, and cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma are rare. Sofosbuvir with ledipasvir and sofosbuvir with ribavirin have received regulatory approval and guidelines recommend their use in adolescents aged 12 years and older with HCV infection. In April, 2019, glecaprevir with pibrentasvir also received regulatory approval for adolescents aged 12-17 years. Key actions to address the current policy gaps and achieve treatment scale-up that is comparable to that in adults include: establishment of a campaign on access to testing and treatment that is targeted at children and adolescents; fast-track evaluation of pan-genotypic regimens; and accelerated approval of paediatric formulations. Research gaps that need to be addressed include: age-specific prevalence studies of HCV viraemia in priority countries; further validation of non-invasive tests for staging of liver disease in children; and establishment of paediatric treatment registries and international consortia to promote collaborative research agendas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Indolfi
- Paediatric and Liver Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Philippa Easterbrook
- Global Hepatitis Programme and HIV Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Geoffrey Dusheiko
- King's College Hospital, London, UK; University College London Medical School, London, UK
| | - Manal H El-Sayed
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Maureen M Jonas
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Claire Thorne
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, NIHR GOSH BRC, London, UK
| | - Marc Bulterys
- Global Hepatitis Programme and HIV Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - George Siberry
- Office of the US Global AIDS Coordinator, US Department of State, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Nick Walsh
- Pan American Health Organization, World Health Organization Regional Office for the Americas, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mei-Hwei Chang
- Department of Paediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tammy Meyers
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Carlo Giaquinto
- Department of Women and Child Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefan Wirth
- Department of Paediatrics, Helios Medical Centre Wuppertal, Witten-Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Po-Lin Chan
- World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines
| | - Martina Penazzato
- Global Hepatitis Programme and HIV Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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17
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Modin L, Arshad A, Wilkes B, Benselin J, Lloyd C, Irving WL, Kelly DA. Epidemiology and natural history of hepatitis C virus infection among children and young people. J Hepatol 2019; 70:371-378. [PMID: 30496763 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health burden. Although HCV infection rarely contributes to morbidity during childhood, most HCV-infected children develop chronic HCV with a lifetime risk of liver disease. Little is known about the development of long-term liver disease and the effect of treatment in patients infected with HCV in childhood. METHOD This study was a retrospective review of patients infected with HCV in childhood enrolled in HCV Research UK. A total of 1,049 patients were identified and included. RESULTS The main routes of infection were intravenous drug use (53%), blood product exposure (24%) and perinatal infection (11%). Liver disease developed in 32% of patients, a median of 33 years after infection, irrespective of the mode of infection. Therefore, patients with perinatal exposure developed cirrhosis at an earlier age than the rest of the risk groups. The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was 5%, liver transplant 4% and death occurred in 3%. Overall, 663 patients were treated (55% with interferon/pegylated interferon and 40% with direct-acting antivirals). Sustained virological response (SVR) was achieved in 406 (75%). There was a higher mortality rate among patients without SVR vs. those with SVR (5% vs. 1%, p = 0.003). Treatment was more effective in patients without cirrhosis and disease progression was less frequent (13%) than in patients with cirrhosis at the time of therapy (28%) p < 0.001. Patients with cirrhosis were more likely to develop HCC, require liver transplantation, or die. CONCLUSION HCV infection in young people causes significant liver disease, which can now be prevented with antiviral therapy. Early treatment, especially before development of cirrhosis is essential. Detection of HCV should be aimed at relevant risk groups and antiviral therapy should be made available in childhood to prevent long-term liver disease and spread of HCV. LAY SUMMARY Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health problem, which can now be treated with potent direct-acting antiviral drugs. This study demonstrates that HCV infection in childhood causes serious liver disease in 32% of patients, a median of 33 years after infection, irrespective of age, mode and route of infection. Disease outcomes were better in patients treated before the development of advanced liver disease. Antiviral therapy should be made available in childhood to prevent long-term liver disease and the spread of HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Modin
- Liver Unit, Birmingham Women's & Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Adam Arshad
- Liver Unit, Birmingham Women's & Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Bryony Wilkes
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Disorders Team, NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Jennifer Benselin
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Disorders Team, NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Carla Lloyd
- Liver Unit, Birmingham Women's & Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - William L Irving
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Disorders Team, NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospital NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Deirdre A Kelly
- Liver Unit, Birmingham Women's & Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
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18
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Asahina Y, Itoh Y, Ueno Y, Matsuzaki Y, Takikawa Y, Yatsuhashi H, Genda T, Ikeda F, Matsuda T, Dvory-Sobol H, Jiang D, Massetto B, Osinusi AO, Brainard DM, McHutchison JG, Kawada N, Enomoto N. Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir for treating Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 2 infection. Liver Int 2018; 38:1552-1561. [PMID: 29297980 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2 infection have high rates of sustained virological response (SVR) following 12 weeks of treatment with the nucleotide polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir in combination with ribavirin, which was the standard of care at the time this study was undertaken. We assessed the efficacy of 12 weeks of treatment with a ribavirin-free regimen of ledipasvir-sofosbuvir. METHODS In an open-label, Phase 3 trial we enrolled Japanese patients with chronic HCV genotype 2 infection, with or without compensated cirrhosis. In Cohort 1, participants were randomized 1:1 to receive ledipasvir-sofosbuvir (n = 106) or sofosbuvir + ribavirin (n = 108) for 12 weeks. In Cohort 2, 25 ribavirin-intolerant or -ineligible patients received ledipasvir-sofosbuvir for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was SVR 12 weeks after therapy (SVR12). In Cohort 1 non-inferiority was assessed with a prespecified margin of 10%. RESULTS One-third (33%) of patients were treatment experienced, and 14% had cirrhosis. In Cohort 1, SVR12 rates were 96% (95% CI, 91% to 99%) with ledipasvir-sofosbuvir and 95% (95% CI, 90% to 98%) with sofosbuvir plus ribavirin, thus achieving non-inferiority. Among ribavirin-intolerant/ineligible patients in Cohort 2, SVR12 was 96% (95% CI, 80% to 100%) with ledipasvir-sofosbuvir. Overall, the most common adverse events were nasopharyngitis, anaemia, and headache; anaemia was only observed in patients receiving ribavirin. The percentage of patients who discontinued treatment because of an adverse event was low (1%). CONCLUSIONS Among Japanese patients with HCV genotype 2, 12 weeks of treatment with ledipasvir-sofosbuvir resulted in high rates of SVR12 that were non-inferior to sofosbuvir + ribavirin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yoshito Itoh
- Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Takuya Genda
- Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan
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19
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Pawlowska M, Sobolewska-Pilarczyk M, Domagalski K. Hepatitis C virus infection in children in the era of direct-acting antiviral. World J Gastroenterol 2018; 24:2555-2566. [PMID: 29962813 PMCID: PMC6021773 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i24.2555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains an important global health problem with chronic infection affecting approximately 11 million children worldwide. The emergence of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies and the development of non-invasive methods for the determination of liver fibrosis will significantly improve the management of paediatric patients with chronic HCV infection in subsequent years. For paediatric patients, a new era of highly effective DAA agents is beginning, and the first results of available clinical trials are very promising. In this era, the identification and monitoring of patients continues to be an important issue. The availability of non-invasive serological and imaging methods to measure hepatic fibrosis enables the identification of patients with significant or advanced liver fibrosis stages. This article summarizes the current data on the epidemiology and progress of research aimed to evaluate the new therapies and non-invasive methods for liver injury in paediatric patients with chronic hepatitis C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Pawlowska
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz 85-030, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Sobolewska-Pilarczyk
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz 85-030, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Domagalski
- Centre For Modern Interdisciplinary Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń 87-100, Poland
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