1
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Nguyen HA, Cooke GS, Day JN, Flower B, Phuong LT, Hung TM, Dung NT, Khoa DB, Hung LM, Kestelyn E, Thwaites GE, Chau NVV, Turner HC. The direct-medical costs associated with interferon-based treatment for Hepatitis C in Vietnam. Wellcome Open Res 2020; 4:129. [PMID: 32734002 PMCID: PMC7372532 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15408.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Injectable interferon-based therapies have been used to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection since 1991. International guidelines have now moved away from interferon-based therapy towards direct-acting antiviral (DAA) tablet regimens, because of their superior efficacy, excellent side-effect profiles, and ease of administration. Initially DAA drugs were prohibitively expensive for most healthcare systems. Access is now improving through the procurement of low-cost, generic DAAs acquired through voluntary licenses. However, HCV treatment costs vary widely, and many countries are struggling with DAA treatment scale-up. This is not helped by the limited cost data and economic evaluations from low- and middle-income countries to support HCV policy decisions. We conducted a detailed analysis of the costs of treating chronic HCV infection with interferon-based therapy in Vietnam. Understanding these costs is important for performing necessary economic evaluations of novel treatment strategies. Methods: We conducted an analysis of the direct medical costs of treating HCV infection with interferon alpha (IFN) and pegylated-interferon alpha (Peg-IFN), in combination with ribavirin, from the health sector perspective at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in 2017. Results: The total cost of the IFN treatment regimen was estimated to range between US$1,120 and US$1,962. The total cost of the Peg-IFN treatment regimen was between US$2,156 and US$5,887. Drug expenses were the biggest contributor to the total treatment cost (54-89%) and were much higher for the Peg-IFN regimen. Conclusions: We found that treating HCV with IFN or Peg-IFN resulted in significant direct medical costs. Of concern, we found that all patients incurred substantial out-of-pocket costs, including those receiving the maximum level of support from the national health insurance programme. This cost data highlights the potential savings and importance of increased access to generic DAAs in low- and middle-income countries and will be useful within future economic evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Graham S. Cooke
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jeremy N. Day
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Barnaby Flower
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | | | - Trinh Manh Hung
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | | | - Dao Bach Khoa
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Le Manh Hung
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Evelyne Kestelyn
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Guy E. Thwaites
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - SEARCH Investigators
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Hugo C. Turner
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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2
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Thu Thuy PT, Bunchorntavakul C, Tan Dat H, Palecki J, Reddy KR. Sofosbuvir-ledipasvir with or without ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C genotype-1 and 6: real-world experience in Vietnam. Antivir Ther 2019; 23:415-423. [PMID: 29303482 DOI: 10.3851/imp3217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Therapy with sofosbuvir-ledipasvir (SOF-LDV) has been very effective in chronic HCV genotype-1 in clinical trials and several real-world cohorts. However, the safety and efficacy data of SOF-LDV for HCV genotype-6 is quite limited. METHODS This open-label, clinical experience evaluated the safety and efficacy of SOF-LDV with or without ribavirin (RBV) for 12-24 weeks in patients with HCV genotype-1 (n=356) and genotype-6 (n=175) in Vietnam between September 2015 and May 2017. RESULTS Among 539 patients evaluated for therapy, 531 patients completed treatment with either SOF-LDV for 12 weeks (n=284); SOF-LDV + RBV for 12 weeks (n=109); SOF-LDV for 24 weeks (n=36); or SOF-LDV + RBV for 24 weeks (n=102). 45% were male with a mean age of 56.3 (range 20-87) years. The mean HCV RNA was 4,370,000 IU/ml and 72.7% had high viral load of >800,000 IU/ml. 17.3% failed prior interferon-based therapy and 52.5% had advanced fibrosis (F3-4) as noted by transient elastography. The overall sustained virological response (SVR12) rate was 99.6% (529/531). Virological relapses occurred in two patients with genotype-1 in the SOF-LDV for 12 weeks and SOF-LDV + RBV for 24 weeks treatment groups. There was no significant difference in demographic data and treatment outcomes between patients with genotype-1 versus 6. Adverse events were mild with all SOF-LDV regimens, but appeared to be more common with 24-week treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS SOF-LDV with or without RBV was highly effective and safe in Vietnamese patients with HCV genotype-1 and 6.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ho Tan Dat
- Medic Medical Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Julia Palecki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - K Rajender Reddy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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3
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Nguyen HA, Cooke GS, Day JN, Flower B, Phuong LT, Hung TM, Dung NT, Khoa DB, Hung LM, Kestelyn E, Thwaites GE, Chau NVV, Turner HC. The direct-medical costs associated with interferon-based treatment for Hepatitis C in Vietnam. Wellcome Open Res 2019; 4:129. [PMID: 32734002 PMCID: PMC7372532 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15408.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Injectable interferon-based therapies have been used to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection since 1991. International guidelines have now moved away from interferon-based therapy towards direct-acting antiviral (DAA) tablet regimens, because of their superior efficacy, excellent side-effect profiles, and ease of administration. Initially DAA drugs were prohibitively expensive for most healthcare systems. Access is now improving through the procurement of low-cost, generic DAAs acquired through voluntary licenses. However, HCV treatment costs vary widely, and many countries are struggling with DAA treatment scale-up. This is not helped by the limited cost data and economic evaluations from low- and middle-income countries to support HCV policy decisions. We conducted a detailed analysis of the costs of treating chronic HCV infection with interferon-based therapy in Vietnam. Understanding these costs is important for performing necessary economic evaluations of novel treatment strategies. Methods: We conducted an analysis of the direct medical costs of treating HCV infection with interferon alpha (IFN) and pegylated-interferon alpha (Peg-IFN), in combination with ribavirin, from the health sector perspective at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in 2017. Results: The total cost of the IFN treatment regimen was estimated to range between US$1,120 and US$1,962. The total cost of the Peg-IFN treatment regimen was between US$2,156 and US$5,887. Drug expenses were the biggest contributor to the total treatment cost (54-89%) and were much higher for the Peg-IFN regimen. Conclusions: We found that treating HCV with IFN or Peg-IFN resulted in significant direct medical costs. Of concern, we found that all patients incurred substantial out-of-pocket costs, including those receiving the maximum level of support from the national health insurance programme. This cost data highlights the potential savings and importance of increased access to generic DAAs in low- and middle-income countries and will be useful within future economic evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Graham S. Cooke
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jeremy N. Day
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Barnaby Flower
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | | | - Trinh Manh Hung
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | | | - Dao Bach Khoa
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Le Manh Hung
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Evelyne Kestelyn
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Guy E. Thwaites
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - SEARCH Investigators
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Hugo C. Turner
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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4
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Bwa AH, Nangia G, Win ST, Maung ST, Han KA, Htar SS, Wine LY, Ko WW, Oo MP, Hlaing NK, Palecki J, Loza BL, Win KM, Reddy R. Strategy and Efficacy of Generic and Pan-genotypic Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir in Chronic Hepatitis C Virus: A Myanmar Experience. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2019; 9:283-293. [PMID: 31360020 PMCID: PMC6637231 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In resource-constrained areas, generic direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have considerably reduced the cost of hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy while there remain significant costs related to the baseline and follow-up virologic assays. AIM The aim was to assess the efficacy and safety of HCV therapy in Myanmar with pan-genotypic generic DAA sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) and with and without the baseline genotype testing, while the duration of treatment and use of ribavirin (RBV) was dictated by cirrhosis and prior treatment failure. METHODS Between September 2016 and June 2017, data from the 359 participants who completed treatment with SOF/VEL (± RBV) for 12-24 weeks were analyzed. Two hundred one patients did not have the baseline HCV genotype tested. RESULTS Regimens included SOF/VEL for 12 weeks (n = 43), SOF/VEL/RBV for 12 weeks (n = 275), or SOF/VEL/RBV for 24 weeks (n = 41). The mean age was 52 years, 44% were men (n = 159), 41 (11.4%) had a history of previous DAA therapy, 7 (1.9%) had a history of hepatocellular carcinoma, and 55 (15.3%) had cirrhosis. Overall, the sustained viral response (SVR)12 rate was 98.6% (354/359) and with a good adverse event profile. SVR rates were similar to those with and without baseline genotype testing and also across all genotypes in those who had genotype tested. CONCLUSIONS In Myanmar, generic and pan-genotypic SOF/VEL ± RBV is a highly effective and safe treatment for HCV, regardless of the HCV genotype, and therefore, the requirement for the baseline genotype can be eliminated. Future strategies should include elimination of treatment and end of treatment HCV RNA testing to enhance treatment uptake and further reduce cost.
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Key Words
- Myanmar
- direct-acting antiviral
- direct-acting antivirals, DAAs
- generic
- hemoglobin, Hgb
- hepatitis B virus, HBV
- hepatitis C
- hepatitis C virus, HCV
- hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC
- human immunodeficiency virus, HIV
- ledipasvir, LDV
- line probe assay, LiPA
- pan-genotypic
- pegylated interferon, PEG-IFN
- ribavirin, RBV
- sofosbuvir/velpatasvir
- sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, SOF/VEL
- sustained viral response, SVR
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Affiliation(s)
- Aung H. Bwa
- Yangon Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Yangon, Myanmar
| | | | - Si T.S. Win
- Yangon Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Soe T. Maung
- Yangon Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Khin A.W. Han
- Yangon Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Su S. Htar
- Yangon Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Lei Y. Wine
- Yangon Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Wint W. Ko
- Yangon Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Moe P. Oo
- Yangon Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Yangon, Myanmar
| | | | | | - Bao L. Loza
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Khin M. Win
- Yangon Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Yangon, Myanmar
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5
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Wu DB, Jiang W, Wang YH, Chen B, Wang ML, Tao YC, Chen EQ, Tang H. Safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir-based direct-acting antiviral regimens for hepatitis C virus genotype 6 in Southwest China: Real-world experience of a retrospective study. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:316-322. [PMID: 30380166 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Optional treatments for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (GT) 6 infection have not been extensively studied. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir (SOF)-based direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) for HCV GT6. We performed a retrospective study at the West China Hospital of Sichuan University in Southwest China from January 2016 to May 2017. Our study screened 130 treatment-naïve patients with chronic HCV GT6 and without liver cirrhosis. A total of 60 HCV GT6 patients were ultimately enrolled. All patients received SOF-based DAAs therapy, including SOF 400 mg plus daclatasvir (DCV) 60 mg daily or SOF 400 mg plus velpatasvir (VEL) 100 mg daily for 12 weeks. The sustained virological response 12 weeks after treatment (SVR12) was 100% (60/60) in treatment-naïve patients with HCV GT6, including 100% (37/37) of patients receiving SOF plus DCV therapy and 100% (23/23) of patients receiving SOF plus VEL therapy. Measurements of liver stiffness were significantly decreased in patients at week 12 (P = 0.014) and week 24 (P < 0.001) of DAAs treatment compared to baseline values. The serum biomarker aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis-4 score were also significantly reduced at week 12 and week 24 compared to before treatment (both P < 0.001). SOF-based therapy was well-tolerated, and no serious adverse events were reported. In conclusion, SOF plus DCV and SOF plus VEL were safe and achieved a high SVR12 rate for treatment-naïve patients with HCV GT6 without liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Bo Wu
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong-Hong Wang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Meng-Lan Wang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ya-Chao Tao
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - En-Qiang Chen
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Tang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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6
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Shin SR, Kim YS, Lim YS, Lee JS, Lee JW, Kim SM, Jeong SH, Sohn JH, Lee MS, Park SH. Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcome of Peginterferon Plus Ribavirin in Patients Infected with Genotype 6 Hepatitis C Virus in Korea: A Multicenter Study. Gut Liver 2017; 11:270-275. [PMID: 27728965 PMCID: PMC5347652 DOI: 10.5009/gnl16163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Because of the limited geographic distribution, there have been insufficient data regarding hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 6 in Korea. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and available treatment outcomes of patients with genotype 6 HCV in Korea. Methods From 2004 to 2014, data were collected from Korean patients infected with genotype 6 HCV in eight hospitals. Results Thirty-two patients had genotype 6 HCV. The median age was 44 years, and 6c was the most common subtype. The baseline median alanine transaminase level was 88 (21 to 1,019) IU/mL, and the HCV RNA level was 1,405,000 (96,500 to 28,844,529) IU/mL. Twenty-five patients were treated with peginterferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin. Three follow-up losses occurred. Additionally, 13 patients attained a sustained virologic response (SVR), seven patients relapsed, and two patients exhibited a null response. The SVR rates were 40% and 75% for the 24- and more than 48-week treatments, respectively, and five of the six patients who achieved a rapid virologic response (RVR) attained a SVR. Conclusions Korean patients infected with genotype 6 HCV are relatively young, and 6c is the most common subtype. When treated with PEG-IFN and ribavirin, the SVR rate was 52%. Similar to other genotypes, a longer duration of treatment and attainment of RVR are important for SVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Rin Shin
- Health Care Center, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Young Seok Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Young-Seok Lim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - June Sung Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea
| | - Jin Woo Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Sun Myung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gimpo Woori Hospital, Gimpo, Korea
| | - Sook-Hyang Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Joo Hyun Sohn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri, Korea
| | - Myung Seok Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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7
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Shin SK, Park SY, Jung YK, Kim EJ, Lee HN, Lee JJ, Kwon OS, Choi DJ, Kim YS, Kim JH. [Prevalence, risk factors and clinical characteristics in patients with genotype 6 chronic hepatitis C: a single institute experience]. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2017; 65:105-11. [PMID: 25716713 DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2015.65.2.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Hepatitis C genotypes 1 and 2 are widely distributed globally. In contrast, genotype 6 is found mainly in Southeast Asia, while genotype 6 is rare in Korea. This study aims to investigate the prevalence, risk factors and clinical characteristics of patients with genotype 6 chronic hepatitis C. METHODS We retrospectively identified 133 HCV-infected patients who underwent HCV genotype analysis between January 2012 and December 2012, and analyzed the prevalence, risk factors and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with genotype 6 chronic hepatitis C. RESULTS Among 133 patients, 53 patients (39.8%) were infected with genotype 1, 62 patients (46.6%) with genotype 2, 2 patients (1.5%) with genotype 3, 14 patients (10.5%) with genotype 6, and 2 patients (1.5%) with mixed genotypes (genotype 1 and 6). The risk factors associated with genotype 6 were acupuncture (n=4, 28.6%), intravenous drug use (n=3, 21.4%), tattoo (n=2, 14.3%), and transfusion (n=2, 14.3%). Of the 14 patients with genotype 6, 6 patients were treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Five patients had reached the end of treatment. All patients reaching end of treatment for genotype 6 showed early virological response and sustained virological response. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of genotype 6 is 10.5% and mixed infections of genotype 1 and 6 are 1.5% in patients with chronic hepatitis C. A major potential risk factor is intravenous drug use and the treatment response rate to pegylated interferon plus ribavirin is high in patients with genotype 6 chronic hepatitis C. Large scale multicenter studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Kak Shin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Department of Internal Medicine, Ansan Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Ansan, Korea
| | - Soo Yong Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Department of Internal Medicine, Ansan Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Ansan, Korea
| | - Young Kul Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Department of Internal Medicine, Ansan Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Ansan, Korea
| | - Eui Joo Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Department of Internal Medicine, Ansan Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Ansan, Korea
| | - Heon Nam Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Department of Internal Medicine, Ansan Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Ansan, Korea
| | - Jong Joon Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Department of Internal Medicine, Ansan Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Ansan, Korea
| | - Oh Sang Kwon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Department of Internal Medicine, Ansan Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Ansan, Korea
| | - Duck Joo Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Department of Internal Medicine, Ansan Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Ansan, Korea
| | - Yun Soo Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Department of Internal Medicine, Ansan Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Ansan, Korea
| | - Ju Hyun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Department of Internal Medicine, Ansan Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Ansan, Korea
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8
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Wong RJ, Nguyen MT, Trinh HN, Huynh A, Ly MT, Nguyen HA, Nguyen KK, Yang J, Garcia RT, Levitt B, da Silveira E, Gish RG. Community-based real-world treatment outcomes of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir in Asians with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 6 in the United States. J Viral Hepat 2017; 24:17-21. [PMID: 27677786 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (SOF/LDV) is the first all-oral ribavirin-free treatment approved for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 6, offering a safe and highly efficacious treatment option. Large studies evaluating real-world outcomes of this regimen are lacking. We aim to evaluate real-world treatment outcomes for HCV genotype 6. A retrospective cohort study evaluated 65 adults (age ≥18) with chronic HCV genotype 6 treated with SOF/LDV without ribavirin at a community gastroenterology clinic in the United States from November 2014 to May 2016. Rates of undetectable virus at week 4 on treatment, at end of treatment (EOT) and SVR12 were stratified by the presence of cirrhosis and prior treatment (treatment naïve vs treatment experienced). Among 65 patients with chronic HCV genotype 6 treated with SOF/LDV (52.3% male, mean age 66.3 years [SD 9.7], 41.5% cirrhosis and 15.4% treatment experienced), 97.3% had undetectable virus at week 4 on treatment, 96.9% had undetectable virus at EOT and 95.3% achieved SVR12. SVR12 was 100% in females vs 91.2% in males, P=.096, and 92.3% in patients with cirrhosis vs 97.4% in those without cirrhosis, P=.347. Resistance testing of treatment failures was attempted but unsuccessful due to lack of conforming primers to define the possible resistance mutations. Among the largest U.S. community-based real-world cohort of Asian chronic HCV genotype 6 patients treated with all-oral SOF/LDV without ribavirin, SVR12 was similar to SVR12 reported in clinical trials, confirming the safety and effectiveness of this regimen and validating current HCV genotype 6 treatment guideline recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Wong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Alameda Health System - Highland Hospital, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - M T Nguyen
- Silicon Valley Research Institute, San Jose, CA, USA
| | - H N Trinh
- San Jose Gastroenterology, San Jose, CA, USA
| | - A Huynh
- Silicon Valley Research Institute, San Jose, CA, USA
| | - M T Ly
- Silicon Valley Research Institute, San Jose, CA, USA
| | - H A Nguyen
- San Jose Gastroenterology, San Jose, CA, USA
| | - K K Nguyen
- San Jose Gastroenterology, San Jose, CA, USA
| | - J Yang
- San Jose Gastroenterology, San Jose, CA, USA
| | - R T Garcia
- San Jose Gastroenterology, San Jose, CA, USA
| | - B Levitt
- San Jose Gastroenterology, San Jose, CA, USA
| | | | - R G Gish
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford Health Care, Stanford, CA, USA.,National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable, San Francisco, CA, USA
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9
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Hlaing NKT, Banerjee D, Mitrani R, Arker SH, Win KS, Tun NL, Thant Z, Win KM, Reddy KR. Hepatitis C virus therapy with peg-interferon and ribavirin in Myanmar: A resource-constrained country. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:9613-9622. [PMID: 27920482 PMCID: PMC5116605 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i43.9613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate peg-interferon (peg-IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) therapy in Myanmar and to predict sustained virologic response (SVR). METHODS This single-center, open-label, study was conducted in Myanmar between 2009 and 2014. A total of 288 patients infected with HCV genotypes 1, 2, 3 and 6 were treated with peg-IFN alpha-2a (180 μg/wk) or alpha-2b (50 to 100 μg as a weight-based dose) and RBV as a weight-based dose (15 mg/kg/d). Treatment duration was 48 wk for genotypes 1 and 6, 24 wk for genotype 2, and 24 or 48 wk for genotype 3 based on rapid virologic response (RVR). Those co-infected with hepatitis B received 48 wk of therapy. RESULTS Overall, SVR was achieved for 82% of patients and the therapy was well tolerated. All patients achieved SVR at equivalent rates regardless of HCV genotype (P = 0.314). Low fibrosis scores (P < 0.001), high baseline albumin levels (P = 0.028) and low baseline viral loads (P = 0.029) all independently predicted SVR. On the other hand, IL-28B TT and CC genotypes were not found to significantly predict SVR (P = 0.634; P = 0.618). Among those who completed treatment, the occurrence of RVR showed a > 96% positive predictive value for achieving SVR. Treatment duration did not significantly impact the likelihood of achieving SVR for patients infected with genotype 3 HCV (P = 0.371). The most common adverse events were fatigue (71%) and poor appetite (60%). Among patients with genotype 3 HCV, more patients in the 48-wk treatment group required erythropoietin than in the 24-wk treatment group (61.1% vs 49.2%). CONCLUSION SVR rates were high with peg-IFN and RBV therapy in Myanmar. Fibrosis scores, baseline albumin, HCV RNA levels and RVR independently predicted SVR.
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10
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Thong VD, Poovorawan K, Tangkijvanich P, Wasitthankasem R, Vongpunsawad S, Poovorawan Y. Influence of Host and Viral Factors on Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 6 Treated with Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Intervirology 2016; 58:373-81. [PMID: 27010195 DOI: 10.1159/000444366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the influence of host and viral factors on the sustained virologic response (SVR) in hepatitis C virus genotype 6 (HCV-6) patients treated with pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin (RBV). METHODS Data were retrieved from Medline, Embase, PubMed and the Cochrane Library for 'genotype 6' studies published up to December 2014 and for abstracts from international scientific meetings. Inclusion criteria were efficacy of PEG-IFN+RBV based on SVR, 24- or 48-week therapy and treatment-naïve patients. Patients with hepatitis B, D and E and HIV coinfection or another concurrent liver disease were excluded. Pooled standard difference, odds ratio and confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effect model with STATA 11. RESULTS Fourteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled SVR rate was 80% (95% CI: 0.78-0.83, p < 0.0001; I2 = 71.2%). SVR of the PEG-IFN+RBV-treated HCV-6 patients was markedly higher than that of HCV-1 patients (80.1 vs. 55.3%). The SVR rate was significantly higher for the 48- than the 24-week treatment, but not different among HCV-infected patients with rs12979860 and ss469415590 polymorphisms of the ILFN4 gene (80.6% CC vs. 66.7% non-CC, p = 0.593; 81.1% TT/TT vs. 60% non-TT/TT, p = 0.288). Gender and type of PEG-IFN did not affect SVR rates. CONCLUSIONS Treatment outcomes for HCV-6 patients are superior to those for HCV-1 patients and comparable to those of HCV-2 and HCV-3 patients, especially at 48 weeks. The level of fibrosis affects treatment outcome, but SVR rates are not significantly different between genders. IL28B and IFNL4 polymorphisms are not significantly associated with HCV-6 treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vo Duy Thong
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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11
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Response to Pegylated Interferon Plus Ribavirin in Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 6a Infection from Guangdong and Guangxi Province of China. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2016; 2016:5397407. [PMID: 27034655 PMCID: PMC4789432 DOI: 10.1155/2016/5397407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2015] [Revised: 10/31/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim. Our aim is to survey the treatment effect of PEG-IFN plus ribavirin in patients infected with HCV genotype 6a in Guangdong and Guangxi province of China and investigate best course of antiviral treatment for patients with HCV-6a infection. Methods. 515 eligible patients received subcutaneous 180 μg PEG-IFNα-2a or 1.5 μg/kg PEG-IFNα-2b once weekly plus oral ribavirin. Primary outcome was SVR by intention-to-treat analysis. Secondary outcome was RVR, cEVR, ETR, and relapse rate. Results. SVR in patients with HCV-6a infection treated for 48 weeks was comparable to that in patients with HCV-2/3 infection (80.9% versus 82.5%, p = 0.812) and higher than that in patients with HCV-1b infection (80.9% versus 67.2%, p = 0.014). ETR (98.9% versus 90.6%, p = 0.016), virological response at month 3 of end-of- treatment (88.8% versus 76.6%, p = 0.044), SVR (80.9% versus 65.6%, p = 0.032), and virological response at month 12 of end-of-treatment (76.4% versus 60.9%, p = 0.04) in patients with HCV-6a infection treated for 48 weeks were higher than those in patients with HCV-6a infection treated for 24 weeks. Conclusion. SVR in patients with HCV-6a treated for 48 weeks was comparable to that in patients with HCV-2/3 infection and higher than that in patients with HCV-1b infection; patients with HCV-6a infection treated for 48 weeks had a superior treatment response than patients treated for 24 weeks.
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12
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Nguyen NH, Nguyen MH. Current Treatment Options in Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 6. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2015; 44:871-81. [PMID: 26600225 DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2015.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 3% of the world's population is chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). In some southeast Asian countries the prevalence of HCV (∼6%-7%) far exceeds that seen in the United States (1.8%). The lesser known HCV genotype 6 (HCV-6) is also common in patients from southeast Asia and the surrounding regions. Most data on direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) to date have been derived from clinical trials conducted in Western countries, where HCV-6 is rare. The standard of care for patients with HCV-6 is still pegylated interferon and ribavirin. However, data are emerging for several DAA combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nghia H Nguyen
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Mindie H Nguyen
- Liver Transplant Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, 750 Welch Road, #210, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
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13
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Cai Q, Zhang X, Lin C, Shao X, Guan Y, Deng H, Wei M, Huang M, Ren Z, Lu L, Mei Y, Xu M, Zhu J, Shi H, Lin G, Liu Y, Hu F, Luo Q, Lan Y, Guo F, Zhao Z, Gao Z. 24 versus 48 Weeks of Peginterferon Plus Ribavirin in Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 6 Chronically Infected Patients with a Rapid Virological Response: A Non-Inferiority Randomized Controlled Trial. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0140853. [PMID: 26509605 PMCID: PMC4624894 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The optimal treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 6 is unclear owing to its limited geographic distribution. Because of a high predictive value of rapid virological response (RVR) for sustained virological response (SVR), we conducted an open-label randomized controlled trial to compare 24- and 48-week peginterferon/ribavirin combination therapy for patients with HCV genotype 6 in Southern China who achieved an RVR. Methods and Findings Treatment-naive, non-cirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 6 were treated with pegylated interferon α-2a (180 μg/week) and ribavirin (800–1,200 mg, according to weight) for 4 weeks. Patients who achieved an RVR, which was defined as HCV RNA negativity at week 4 (<50 IU), were randomized to receive either an additional 20 or 44 weeks of treatment (24- and 48-week treatment groups, respectively). The primary outcome measure was SVR. From January 2011 to June 2014, 152(152/210, 72.4%) patients with HCV genotype 6a and RVR were randomized 1:1 to the 24- or 48-week treatment group. The SVR rates in the 24- and 48-week groups in the intention-to-treat analysis were 90.8% (69/76) and 88.2% (67/76), respectively; those in the per-protocol analysis were 95.7% (67/70) and 97.0% (64/66), respectively. More patients in the 48-week group had anemia (46.1% vs. 28.9%, P = 0.03), but other adverse events were comparable between the groups. The limitation of the present study was that only patients from Southern China were enrolled which may inhibit the extensive application of the findings. Conclusion Twenty-four weeks of peginterferon/ribavirin combination therapy was non-inferior to 48 weeks in patients with HCV genotype 6a in Southern China who achieved an RVR. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01263860
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxian Cai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaohong Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chaoshuang Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoqiong Shao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yujuan Guan
- Eighth People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hong Deng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Min Wei
- Zhongshan Second People’s Hospital, Zhongshan, Guangdong, China
| | | | - Zefang Ren
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ling Lu
- Laboratory for Hepatology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yongyu Mei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Min Xu
- Eighth People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianyun Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Haiyan Shi
- Eighth People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guoli Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fengyu Hu
- Eighth People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiumin Luo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yun Lan
- Eighth People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fengxia Guo
- Eighth People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhixin Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Zhiliang Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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El Sabaawy D, El-Haggar S, El-Bahrawy H, Waked I, El-Said H. A comparative study of variants of pegylated interferon alpha in treatment of chronic HCV patients. APMIS 2015; 123:482-9. [PMID: 25904442 DOI: 10.1111/apm.12377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
HCV infection presents a vast burden in the regions of high prevalence such as Egypt, where most HCV isolates are genotype 4b. Combined treatment of three variants of pegylated interferon and ribavirin is still the standard of care in Egypt. However, no conclusive data confirming their efficacy are available. Here, 60 chronic HCV patients were randomized for ribavirin plus Peg Intron (PEG-IFNα-2b), Pegasys (PEG-IFNα-2a) or Reiveron Retard (PEG-IFNα-2a). Serum interferon and antibody (Ab) levels were measured, and responses and costs were compared. Serum interferon levels were higher in Pegasys group (1625.1 ng/mL) followed by Reiveron Retard (1076.5 ng/mL), and Peg Intron group (857.72 ng/mL). Moreover, Ab levels were the lowest in Reiveron Retard group (318.4 ng/mL), followed by Peg Intron (439.93 ng/mL), and Pegasys cases (610.83 ng/mL). The best 24-week response rates were detected in the Pegasys group (73.3%), followed by Peg Intron (66.67%), and Reiveron Retard (40%). Treatment with both Pegasys and Peg Intron were most cost-effective. Furthermore, Pegasys was superior in both 6-month response and serum interferon, despite having higher Ab levels (more antigenicity). Our data have notable clinical implications and suggest that Pegasys may be a superior choice of interferon therapy for chronic HCV under low socioeconomic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia El Sabaawy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.,Department of Pharmacy, National Liver Institute, Menofiya University, Menofiya, Egypt
| | - Sahar El-Haggar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Hoda El-Bahrawy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Imam Waked
- Department of Hepatology, National Liver Institute, Menofiya University, Menofiya, Egypt
| | - Hala El-Said
- Department of Biochemistry, National Liver Institute, Menofiya University, Menofiya, Egypt
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Papastergiou V, Karatapanis S. Current status and emerging challenges in the treatment of hepatitis C virus genotypes 4 to 6. World J Clin Cases 2015; 3:210-20. [PMID: 25789294 PMCID: PMC4360493 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v3.i3.210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Revised: 11/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 4, 5 and 6 are mainly present in Africa, the Middle East and Asia and they have been less extensively studied with respect to epidemiology, natural disease history and therapeutic endpoints. Response rates to a 48-wk combined peginterferon/ribavirin treatment range to 40%-69% for HCV 4, 55%-60% for HCV 5 and 60%-90% for HCV 6. Response-guided schedules are recommended to optimize the outcomes of peginterferon/ribavirin treatment in HCV 4 and, in form of preliminary data, for HCV 6, but no data are yet available to support such an individualization of therapy for HCV 5. Recently, the direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) with pan-genotypic activities simeprevir, sofosbuvir and daclatasvir have been recommended in triple regimens with peginterferon/ribavirin for the treatment of HCV genotypes 4 to 6 infections. In the future, DAA-based interferon-free therapies are awaited to drastically improve treatment outcomes in HCV. However, efforts to improve treatment outcomes with peginterferon/ribavirin should continue, as the HCV 4-6 infected population is mainly based in resource-limited settings with restricted access to the costly DAAs.
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16
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Nguyen NH, McCormack SA, Vutien P, Yee BE, Devaki P, Jencks D, Nguyen MH. Meta-analysis: superior treatment response in Asian patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 6 versus genotype 1 with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Intervirology 2015; 58:27-34. [PMID: 25592813 PMCID: PMC4351719 DOI: 10.1159/000369097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our goal was to systematically and quantitatively assess treatment response between Asian patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 6 (HCV-6) and hepatitis C virus genotype 1 (HCV-1) treated for 48 weeks with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. METHODS We performed a literature search in MEDLINE and EMBASE for 'genotype 6' in August 2013. Additional abstracts from major international scientific conferences from 2012 to 2013 were reviewed. Studies included were original articles with ≥10 treatment-naïve Asian HCV-6 patients. Exclusion criteria were coinfections with hepatitis B virus, HIV and/or other liver diseases. Heterogeneity was defined as a Cochrane Q test with a p value of 0.10 and an I(2) statistic of >50%. RESULTS of a random-effects model are reported. RESULTS A total of 1,046 (503 HCV-6; 543 HCV-1) patients from 12 studies were included in the analysis. The pooled sustained virologic response (SVR) rate was 80.2% (95% CI 74.3-85.0, Q statistic = 20.87, p < 0.035; I(2) = 47.3%) for HCV-6 and 62.5% (95% CI 41.9-79.4, Q statistic = 52.41, p < 0.001; I(2) = 92.37) for HCV-1 patients. HCV-6 patients had a significantly higher SVR rate compared to HCV-1 patients (odds ratio 2.73, 95% CI 1.69-4.41, p < 0.001). Approximately one fourth of patients without early virologic response (EVR) achieved SVR, regardless of genotype (HCV-1, n = 6/23; HCV-6, n = 4/21). CONCLUSIONS Asian patients with HCV-6 can expect higher SVR rates (∼80%) than HCV-1 patients (∼63%). EVR as a stopping rule is less clear in Asian patients with HCV-6 and HCV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nghia H. Nguyen
- School of Medicine at the University of California, San Diego, CA
| | | | - Philip Vutien
- Department of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Brittany E. Yee
- School of Medicine at the University of California, San Diego, CA
| | - Pardha Devaki
- Department of Medicine, Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | - David Jencks
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Mindie H. Nguyen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA
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17
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Meta-analysis of patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 6: 48 weeks with pegylated interferon and ribavirin is superior to 24 weeks. Hepatol Int 2014. [PMID: 26202759 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-014-9570-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus genotype 6 (HCV-6) is common in patients from Southeast Asia and the surrounding regions. Optimal treatment duration for HCV-6 is unknown given the inconclusive evidence from studies with varying methodologies and small sample sizes. METHODS A literature search for 'genotype 6' in MEDLINE and EMBASE in October 2013 produced 161 and 251 articles, respectively. Additional abstracts were identified from four major international GI/liver conferences in 2012/2013. Inclusion criteria were original studies with ≥10 HCV-6 treatment-naïve patients treated with pegylated interferon + ribavirin (PEG IFN+RBV). Exclusion criteria were coinfections with HBV, HIV, other HCV genotypes, and/or other liver diseases. Primary outcome was pooled sustained virologic response (SVR). Heterogeneity was defined by Cochrane Q test (p value of 0.10) and I (2) statistic (≥50 %). RESULTS A total of 13 studies with 641 patients were included. The pooled SVR estimate was 77 % (CI 70-83 %) (Q value = 38.4, p value <0.001, I (2) = 68.7 %) overall, 79 % (CI 73-84 %) for the 48-week group and 59 % (CI 46-70 %) for 24-week group, respectively. In studies with direct comparison of the two groups, SVR was superior in patients treated for 48 versus 24 weeks, OR 1.9 (CI 1.08-3.2, p = 0.026). In studies with direct comparison of patients with rapid virologic response (RVR), there was no difference in SVR between 48 versus 24 weeks, OR 1.74 (CI 0.65-4.64, p = 0.27). CONCLUSION Hepatitis C virus genotype 6 patients should be treated for 48 weeks, and those who achieve RVR may receive the shorter 24-week treatment duration. The high SVR (~80 %) with 48 weeks of PEG IFN+RBV therapy may be a cost-effective option for HCV-6 patients from resource-poor regions.
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Gammal RS, Spooner LM, Abraham GM. Failed triple therapy in a treatment-experienced patient with genotype 6 hepatitis C infection. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2014; 71:204-8. [PMID: 24429013 DOI: 10.2146/ajhp130432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The first published report of the use of triple therapy in a patient with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 6 infection-a treatment that was prescribed due to incorrect HCV genotyping and which ultimately failed-is presented. SUMMARY A 70-year-old male U.S. resident of Vietnamese descent requested treatment for chronic HCV infection acquired decades earlier. He reported experiencing hepatitis C treatment failures twice before-13 years prior (interferon alfa monotherapy for six months) and 7 years prior (standard dual therapy with pegylated interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin for nine months). Initial viral genotyping indicated infection with HCV genotypes 1a and 6c (a form of mixed HCV disease amenable to triple therapy), and treatment with pegylated interferon alfa-2a, ribavirin, and boceprevir was initiated. By week 8 of triple therapy, the patient's viral load had decreased from 15,700,000 (7.20 log) to 462,882 (5.67 log) IU/mL, but the viral load subsequently rebounded to baseline levels, and treatment was discontinued at week 16. When repeat HCV genotyping was performed, it was discovered that initial genotyping was incorrect and that the man's infection involved not mixed genotypes but only genotype 6; he was not an appropriate candidate for triple therapy. The case emphasizes the need for clinicians to be cognizant of potential HCV genotyping errors, particularly with regard to patients of Southeast Asian descent. CONCLUSION Three courses of interferon-based treatment, including triple therapy with boceprevir, failed to produce a sustained therapeutic response in a 70-year-old ethnic Vietnamese man with genotype 6 HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roseann S Gammal
- Roseann S. Gammal, Pharm.D., is Postgraduate Year 1 Pharmacy Practice Resident, Department of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina Hospitals and Clinics, Chapel Hill. Linda M. Spooner, Pharm.D., BCPS, is Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, MCPHS University, Worcester, MA. George M. Abraham, M.D., M.P.H., is Professor of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, and Associate Chief of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease and Geographic Medicine, Saint Vincent Hospital, Worcester
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Performance comparison of the versant HCV genotype 2.0 assay (LiPA) and the abbott realtime HCV genotype II assay for detecting hepatitis C virus genotype 6. J Clin Microbiol 2014; 52:3685-92. [PMID: 25100817 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00882-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Versant HCV genotype 2.0 assay (line probe assay [LiPA] 2.0), based on reverse hybridization, and the Abbott Realtime HCV genotype II assay (Realtime II), based on genotype-specific real-time PCR, have been widely used to analyze hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes. However, their performances for detecting HCV genotype 6 infections have not been well studied. Here, we analyzed genotype 6 in 63 samples from the China HCV Genotyping Study that were originally identified as genotype 6 using the LiPA 2.0. The genotyping results were confirmed by nonstructural 5B (NS5B) or core sequence phylogenetic analysis. A total of 57 samples were confirmed to be genotype 6 (51 genotype 6a, 5 genotype 6n, and 1 genotype 6e). Four samples identified as a mixture of genotypes 6 and 4 by the LiPA 2.0 were confirmed to be genotype 3b. The remaining two samples classified as genotype 6 by the LiPA 2.0 were confirmed to be genotype 1b, which were intergenotypic recombinants and excluded from further comparison. In 57 genotype 6 samples detected using the Realtime II version 2.00 assay, 47 genotype 6a samples were identified as genotype 6, one 6e sample was misclassified as genotype 1, and four 6a and five 6n samples yielded indeterminate results. Nine nucleotide profiles in the 5' untranslated region affected the performances of both assays. Therefore, our analysis shows that both assays have limitations in identifying HCV genotype 6. The LiPA 2.0 cannot distinguish some 3b samples from genotype 6 samples. The Realtime II assay fails to identify some 6a and all non-6a subtypes, and it misclassifies genotype 6e as genotype 1.
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KASL clinical practice guidelines: management of hepatitis C. Clin Mol Hepatol 2014; 20:89-136. [PMID: 25032178 PMCID: PMC4099340 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2014.20.2.89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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Efficacy and safety of pegylated interferon plus ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C genotype 6: a meta-analysis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100128. [PMID: 24963667 PMCID: PMC4070902 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C genotype 6 (HCV-6) is prevalent in Southeast Asia. Data on the efficacy of direct-acting antiviral agents in chronic HCV-6 patients is limited and pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) combination therapy remains standard therapy for those patients. Aim Meta-analysis was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of Peg-IFN plus RBV combination therapy for chronic HCV-6 patients. Methods Relevant studies were found by database search through Medline, Embase, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library. All published clinical trials assessing the efficacy of Peg-IFN plus RBV combination therapy for chronic HCV-6 patients were included. Sustained virological response rate (SVR) was pooled. We performed additional meta-analyses to compare the SVR outcomes of 24 versus 48 weeks of treatment in four head-to-head trials. Another second meta-analysis was also conducted to compare the efficacy of combination Peg-IFN plus RBV therapy in HCV-6 versus HCV-1 patients. Results Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled SVR of all single arms was 75% (95% CI: 0.68–0.81). The SVR of 24 weeks treatment was significantly lower than that at 48 weeks, with a risk difference of −14% (95% CI: −0.25 to −0.02, p = 0.02). However, when restricted to the patients with rapid virological response (RVR), there was no significant effect on SVR between these two treatment groups, with a risk difference of −1% (95% CI: −0.1 to 0.07, p = 0.67). The SVR in HCV-6 patients was significantly higher than that in HCV-1 patients, with a relative risk of 1.35 (95% CI: 1.16–1.57, p<0.001). Side effects were common, but rarely caused treatment discontinuation. Conclusions The results of this meta-analysis suggest that Peg-IFN plus RBV is effective and safe for HCV-6 patients. Shortening treatment seems to be feasible in HCV-6 patients with RVR when tolerance to treatment is poor. However, this decision should be made cautiously.
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Liu CH, Kao JH. Nanomedicines in the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection in Asian patients: optimizing use of peginterferon alfa. Int J Nanomedicine 2014; 9:2051-67. [PMID: 24812506 PMCID: PMC4008289 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s41822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Asia is endemic for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, which is the leading cause of cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver transplantation worldwide. HCV has six major genotypes and each HCV genotype has its specific geographic distribution. HCV genotypes 1, 2, 3, and 6 are common in Asia. The aim of HCV treatment is to eradicate the virus by effective therapeutic agents; viral clearance is durable after long-term post-treatment follow-up. In most Asian countries, peginterferon alfa (PEG-IFN α) in combination with ribavirin remains the standard of care, and the overall sustained viral response (SVR) rate in Asian HCV patients is higher than that in Western patients. The differences are most significant in patients with HCV genotype 1 (HCV-1) infection, which is attributed to the higher frequency of IFN-responsive or favorable interleukin-28B (IL-28B) genotype in Asian populations than in other ethnic populations. In addition, the introduction of response-guided therapy, where the optimized treatment duration is based on the early viral kinetics during the first 12 weeks of treatment, increases the SVR rate. Recently, telaprevir or boceprevir-based triple therapy was found to further improve the SVR rate in treated and untreated HCV-1 patients and has become the new standard of care in Western and some Asian countries. Many novel direct-acting antiviral agents, either in combination with PEG-IFN α plus ribavirin or used as IFN-free regimens are under active investigation. At the time of this writing, simeprevir and sofosbuvir have been approved in the US. Because the SVR rates in Asian HCV patients receiving PEG-IFN α plus ribavirin therapy are high, health care providers should judiciously determine the clinical usefulness of these novel agents on the basis of treatment duration, anticipated viral responses, patient tolerance, financial burdens, and drug accessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Hua Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan ; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan ; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan ; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan ; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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Thong VD, Akkarathamrongsin S, Poovorawan K, Tangkijvanich P, Poovorawan Y. Hepatitis C virus genotype 6: virology, epidemiology, genetic variation and clinical implication. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:2927-40. [PMID: 24659883 PMCID: PMC3961978 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i11.2927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a serious public health problem affecting 170 million carriers worldwide. It is a leading cause of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer and is the primary cause for liver transplantation worldwide. HCV genotype 6 (HCV-6) is restricted to South China, South-East Asia, and it is also occasionally found in migrant patients from endemic countries. HCV-6 has considerable genetic diversity with 23 subtypes (a to w). Although direct sequencing followed by phylogenetic analysis is the gold standard for HCV-6 genotyping and subtyping, there are also now rapid genotyping tests available such as the reverse hybridization line probe assay (INNO-LiPA II; Innogenetics, Zwijnaarde, Belgium). HCV-6 patients present with similar clinical manifestations as patients infected with other genotypes. Based on current evidence, the optimal treatment duration of HCV-6 with pegylated interferon/ribavirin should be 48 wk, although a shortened treatment duration of 24 wk could be sufficient in patients with low pretreatment viral load who achieve rapid virological response. In addition, the development of direct-acting antiviral agents is ongoing, and they give high response rate when combined with standard therapy. Herein, we review the epidemiology, classification, diagnosis and treatment as it pertain to HCV-6.
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24
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Feld JJ. The beginning of the end: what is the future of interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis C? Antiviral Res 2014; 105:32-8. [PMID: 24548815 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2014.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Revised: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Interferon has been the backbone of therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection for over 20years. Initial response rates were poor, however they have slowly but steadily improved, such that with the addition of the nucleotide analogue ribavirin and the pegylation of interferon, over 50% of infected individuals could be cured with a course of therapy. However, interferon therapy is not ideal, requiring up to a year of weekly injections and associated with numerous systemic side effects. Advances in understanding of the HCV lifecycle have led to the development of numerous highly effective, well-tolerated oral direct acting antivirals (DAAs). Although the first DAAs were combined with peginterferon and ribavirin, with the rapid progress in the field, it is likely that interferon-free therapy will be available for most patients in the relatively near future. In the short term, peginterferon will be required with either the protease inhibitor simeprevir, or the nucleotide analogue polymerase inhibitor, sofosbuvir, for the treatment of genotype 1 infection. Peginterferon also appears to be a useful adjunct to sofosbuvir and ribavirin for patients with genotype 3 infection, particularly those with cirrhosis. In the future, once combination DAA therapies are available, peginterferon will serve a smaller and smaller role. Peginterferon may be useful as part of QUAD therapy with 2 DAAs and ribavirin in prior null responders or in patients who fail DAA regimens with multi-drug resistant HCV. Peginterferon may also have a role in resource-limited regions to reduce the number and/or duration of DAAs required. Ultimately, although peginterferon will remain a salvage therapy, its days as a mainstay of therapy are definitely numbered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University of Toronto, Canada.
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25
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Epidemiology and treatment of hepatitis C genotypes 5 and 6. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY = JOURNAL CANADIEN DE GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2014; 27:e8-12. [PMID: 23378985 DOI: 10.1155/2013/624986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C infection is a major global health problem. The WHO estimates the number of infected people worldwide to be approximately 170 million. The estimated number of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected people in Canada is approximately 250,000, with approximately 5000 Canadians newly infected each year. Based on the identification of genomic differences, HCV has been classified into six genotypes; genotype may influence the outcome of antiviral therapy. HCV genotypes 1, 2 and 3 are widely distributed throughout the world and have been the focus of the majority of epidemiological, natural course and treatment studies. Although HCV genotypes 5 and 6 are prevalent in certain geographical areas, they are studied less extensively. HCV genotypes 5 and 6 are uncommon in Canada and account for less than 5% of HCV-infected Canadians. However, immigration and travel can alter the epidemiology of these uncommon genotypes. The present article reviews and summarizes the available data regarding the epidemiology and treatment of HCV genotypes 5 and 6. Genotype 5 is endemic in the northern part of South Africa while genotype 6 is reported primarily in Asia. Available data show that 48 weeks of treatment with a combination of pegylated interferon and ribavirin lead to a higher sustained virological response compared with HCV genotypes 1 and 4. None of the approved direct-acting antiviral agents is currently recommended for the treatment of HCV genotypes 5 or 6.
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26
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Wantuck JM, Ahmed A, Nguyen MH. Review article: the epidemiology and therapy of chronic hepatitis C genotypes 4, 5 and 6. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2014; 39:137-47. [PMID: 24251930 DOI: 10.1111/apt.12551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2013] [Revised: 06/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/27/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global burden of hepatitis C (HCV) infection is mostly found in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, where HCV genotypes 4, 5 and 6 are common. The literature on these genotypes is sparse and this synopsis will review characteristics of patients infected with these genotypes. AIM To review characteristics of patients infected with HCV genotypes 4, 5 and 6. METHODS PubMed search for 'hepatitis C' AND 'genotype 4', 'hepatitis C' AND 'genotype 5', and 'hepatitis C' AND 'genotype 6' was conducted and relevant articles were reviewed. RESULTS Intravenous drug use is generally responsible for HCV genotype 4 infection in developed countries, but unsafe medical practices cause most cases of HCV genotypes 4, 5 and 6 in endemic countries. The sustained virological response (SVR) rate for patients with HCV genotype 4 who receive pegylated interferon and ribavirin for 48 weeks ranges from 40% to 70% in various small studies. The SVR rate is in the 60-70% range for HCV genotype 5 and 70-80% range for HCV genotype 6 following 48 weeks with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Preliminary data suggest that a shorter course of 24 weeks of pegylated interferon and ribavirin may be acceptable for HCV genotype 6, with an SVR rate of approximately 70%. CONCLUSIONS The current standard-of-care therapy for HCV genotypes 4, 5 and 6 is pegylated interferon and ribavirin for 48 weeks. A shorter course with 24 weeks of therapy may be considered for patients with genotype 6. Newer and much more effective therapies may be forthcoming in the next few years.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Wantuck
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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Bunchorntavakul C, Chavalitdhamrong D, Tanwandee T. Hepatitis C genotype 6: A concise review and response-guided therapy proposal. World J Hepatol 2013; 5:496-504. [PMID: 24073301 PMCID: PMC3782687 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v5.i9.496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Revised: 08/05/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C genotype 6 is endemic in Southeast Asia [prevalence varies between 10%-60% among all hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection], as well as also sporadically reported outside the area among immigrations. The diagnosis of HCV genotype can be inaccurate with earlier methods of genotyping due to identical 5’-UTR between genotype 6 and 1b, hence the newer genotyping methods with core sequencing are preferred. Risk factors and clinical course of HCV genotype 6 do not differ considerably from other genotypes. Treatment outcome of HCV genotype 6 with a combination of pegylated interferon and ribavirin is superior to genotype 1, and nearly comparable to genotype 3, with expected sustained virological response (SVR) rates of 60%-90%. Emerging data suggests that a shorter course 24-wk treatment is equally effective as a standard 48-wk treatment, particularly for those patients who attained undetectable HCV RNA at week 4 (RVR). In addition, baseline and on-treatment predictors of response used for other HCV genotypes appear effective with genotype 6. Although some pan-genotypic direct-acting antivirals have completed phase II/III studies (sofosbuvir and simeprevir) with clinical benefit demonstrated in small number of patients with genotype 6, broad availability of these agents in Southeast Asia may not be expected in the near future. While awaiting the newer therapy, response-guided therapy seems appropriate for patients with HCV genotype 6. Patients with RVR (representing > 70% of patients) are suitable for 24-wk treatment with expected SVR rates > 80%. Patients without RVR and/or those with poor response predictors may benefit from 48 wk of therapy, and a detectable HCV RNA at week 12 (with no early virological response) serves as a stopping rule. This treatment scheme is likely to have a major economic impact on HCV therapy, particularly in Southeast Asia, wherein treatment can be truncated securely in the majority of patients with HCV genotype 6.
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Seto WK, Tsang OTY, Liu K, Chan JMC, Wong DKH, Fung J, Lai CL, Yuen MF. Role of IL28B and inosine triphosphatase polymorphisms in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 6 infection. J Viral Hepat 2013; 20:470-7. [PMID: 23730840 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Accepted: 11/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
IL28B and inosine triphosphatase (ITPA) polymorphisms are able to predict treatment response and degree of ribavirin-related anaemia, respectively, in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, their roles in the treatment of chronic HCV genotype 6 remain undetermined. Sixty patients who were infected with HCV genotype 6 were commenced on 48 weeks of combination pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy. Response to therapy, profiles of haemoglobin changes and platelet counts during therapy and their associations with IL28B rs8099917 and ITPA rs1127354 polymorphisms were analysed. The overall sustained virologic response (SVR) rate was 91.7%. 18 patients (30.0%) required a reduction in ribavirin dosage. The distribution of IL28B rs8099917 TT/TG genotypes and ITPA rs1127354 CC/CA genotypes were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. IL28B rs8099917 TT genotype, when compared to TG genotype, was significantly associated with an increased SVR rate (96.2% and 62.5%, respectively) and was the only clinical parameter that predicted SVR (P = 0.014). The same significant association was observed when analysing allelic frequencies (T vs G, P = 0.001). ITPA rs1127354 CA genotype, when compared to CC genotype, was associated with lesser degree of anaemia throughout therapy (P < 0.05 for all time points). ITPA polymorphisms showed no association with changes in platelet count throughout therapy (P > 0.05 for all time points) and was not associated with SVR (P = 0.640). In chronic HCV genotype 6 infection, IL28B polymorphisms were associated with response to therapy. ITPA polymorphisms influenced the degree of anaemia but not thrombocytopenia during therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- W-K Seto
- Department of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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29
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Nguyen LH, Nguyen MH. Systematic review: Asian patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2013; 37:921-36. [PMID: 23557103 DOI: 10.1111/apt.12300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2012] [Revised: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 03/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection is a risk factor for both the development of end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Globally, approximately 170 million people are chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), and the majority of these individuals come from the western Pacific and Southeast Asia regions (94.6 million persons combined). CHC is an understudied and underappreciated health problem in many Asian countries and in the US, where Asians represent one of the fastest growing groups of new Americans. AIM To perform a systematic review of the current literature on the epidemiology, diagnosis and screening, clinical characteristics and response to anti-viral therapy of Asians with CHC. METHODS Using a PubMed search of 'hepatitis C' and 'Asia,' 341 original manuscripts published in peer-reviewed journals were identified, and 99 were selected based on their relevance. RESULTS Many Asian CHC patients do not have easily identifiable risk factors and may be underdiagnosed. Rates of HCV infection in Asians on community screening in the US are unexpectedly high, and there is a high prevalence of HCV genotype 6 in Southeast Asia and Southern China. HCV-infected Asians tend to present at older age and may have higher risk of HCC; however, they respond better to anti-viral therapy than non-Asians across all HCV genotypes. CONCLUSIONS Given the high HCV endemicity in Asia, lack of identifiable risk factors and favourable treatment response rates in Asians, we advocate the screening for HCV infection of all Asians who come from areas where HCV prevalence is ≥2%.
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Affiliation(s)
- L H Nguyen
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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30
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Seong MH, Kil H, Kim JY, Lee SS, Jang ES, Kim JW, Jeong SH, Kim YS, Bae SH, Lee YJ, Lee HC, Yun H, Kang BH, Kim K. Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of Korean patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 6. Clin Mol Hepatol 2013; 19:45-50. [PMID: 23593609 PMCID: PMC3622855 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2013.19.1.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Revised: 11/20/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims The distribution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes varies geographically. In Korea, genotypes 1 and 2 comprise more than 90% of HCV infections, while genotype 6 is very rare. This study compared the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with genotype 6 HCV infection with those infected with HCV genotypes 1 and 2. Methods This was a prospective, multicenter HCV cohort study that enrolled 1,173 adult patients, of which 930 underwent HCV genotype analysis, and only 9 (1.0%) were found to be infected with genotype 6 HCV. The clinical and epidemiological parameters of the genotypes were compared. Results The patients with genotype 6 HCV had a mean age of 41.5 years, 77.8% were male, and they had no distinct laboratory features. A sustained virologic response (SVR) was observed in four (67%) of six patients who received antiviral therapy. Risk factors such as the presence of a tattoo (n=6, 66.7%), more than three sexual partners (n=3, 33.3%), and injection drug use (n=3, 33.3%) were more common among genotype 6 patients than among genotypes 1 or 2. Conclusions The epidemiology and treatment response of patients infected with genotype 6 HCV differed significantly from those with genotypes 1 or 2, warranting continuous monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mun Hyuk Seong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
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Feld JJ. Treatment indication and response to standard of care with peginterferon and ribavirin in acute and chronic HCV infection. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2012. [PMID: 23199502 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2012.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Great strides have been made in the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the past decade. Although there is much focus on the development of new direct-acting antivirals (DAA), interferon and ribavirin remain the backbone of therapy for both acute and chronic HCV infections. While DAA therapy will likely eventually largely replace interferon, in much of the world and for genotype non-1 patients, peginterferon and ribavirin remain first-line therapy. Interferon-based therapy is highly effective in acute HCV with high response rates with short courses of therapy. Unfortunately once infection progresses to chronicity, treatment success rates drop off considerably. The indications, pre-treatment evaluation and efficacy of peginterferon and ribavirin therapy in the treatment of acute and chronic HCV infection are discussed with strategies to improve outcomes and manage adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Western Hospital Liver Centre, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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