Efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir in the treatment of hep C among patients on hemodialysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Hemodialysis Patients in the Era of Direct-Acting Antiviral Treatment: Observational Study and Narrative Review

Background and Objectives: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major global public health concern, particularly in hemodialysis (HD) patients. This study aims to evaluate the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of HCV-positive patients undergoing HD and assess the long-term impact of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) on patient outcomes. Moreover, a narrative review aims to summarize the current knowledge regarding HCV treatment in HD patients. The search in the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases identified 48 studies relevant to our topic, 18 regarding clinical history and 29 related to HCV treatment. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 165 HD patients from Bihor County HD centers, Romania, between 2014 and 2024. The cohort was divided into two groups: 54 patients who tested positive for HCV and 111 controls who were HCV-negative. Data collected from GPs included demographic information, comorbidities, laboratory parameters, and psychological assessments. Outcomes were evaluated at over 5 years after DAA treatment. A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies on HCV in HD patients from 1989 to 2024. Results: Laboratory results showed similar parameters across groups, except for lower serum cholesterol levels in the HCV-positive DAA-treated group vs. HCV-positive non-treated ones (155.607 mg% vs. 170.174 mg%, p = 0.040) and increased ALT levels when comparing the same groups (29.107 vs. 22.261, p = 0.027), whereas comorbidities did not differ significantly. The incidence of malignancies was significantly higher among HCV-positive compared to HCV-negative patients (20.3% vs. 8.1%, p = 0.023), mainly among those treated with DAAs, highlighted by the multivariate analysis. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality regardless of HCV status or the use of antiviral therapy. Psychological assessments revealed more severe depression in HCV-positive patients compared to their HCV-negative counterparts. Conclusions: HCV infection in the hemodialysis population typically follows a subclinical course. At over five years after DAA therapy, the results indicate a stabilization of the liver function and the absence of major complications. However, the incidence of malignancies remains high in HCV-positive patients.

Hepatitis E Virus Infections: Epidemiology, Genetic Diversity, and Clinical Considerations

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 20 million people worldwide are infected annually with the hepatitis E virus (HEV). There are four main genotypes of HEV. Genotype 1 and genotype 2 are common in developing countries and are transmitted by contaminated water from a fecal-oral route. Genotype 3 and genotype 4 are common in developed countries and can lead to occasional transmission to humans via undercooked meat. Hepatitis E virus 1 and HEV3 can lead to fulminant hepatitis, and HEV3 can lead to chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis in immunocompromised patients. The majority of patients with HEV infection are asymptomatic and usually have spontaneous viral clearance without treatment. However, infection in immunocompromised individuals can lead to chronic HEV infection. Both acute and chronic HEV infections can have extrahepatic manifestations. No specific treatment is required for acute HEV infection, no treatment has been approved in chronic infection, and no HEV vaccine has been approved by the (United States) Food and Drug Administration. This review focuses on the molecular virology (HEV life cycle, genotypes, model systems, zoonosis), pathogenesis, clinical manifestation, and treatment of chronic HEV infection, especially in immunocompromised patients, to provide clinicians a better understanding of the global distribution of these infections and the significant effect they can have on immunocompromised patients.

Interventions for dialysis patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on dialysis, causes chronic liver disease, may increase the risk of death, and impacts kidney transplant outcomes. Direct-acting antivirals have replaced interferons because of better efficacy and tolerability. This is an update of a review first published in 2015.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to look at the benefits and harms of interventions for HCV in CKD patients on dialysis: death, disease relapse, treatment response/discontinuation, time to recovery, quality of life (QoL), cost-effectiveness, and adverse events. We aimed to study comparisons of available interventions, compared with placebo, control, with each other and with newer treatments.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant's Specialised Register to 23 February 2023 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE and EMBASE, handsearching conference proceedings, and searching the International Clinical Trials Register Portal (ICTRP) and ClinicalTrials.gov.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, first period of randomised cross-over studies on interventions for HCV in CKD on dialysis were considered.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Summary estimates of effect were obtained using a random-effects model, and results were expressed as risk ratios (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Confidence in the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

MAIN RESULTS

Three studies were included in this update, therefore 13 studies (997 randomised participants) met our inclusion criteria. Overall, the risk of bias was judged low in seven studies, unclear in four, low to unclear in one, and high in one study. Interventions included standard interferon, pegylated (PEG) interferon, standard or PEG interferon plus ribavirin; direct-acting antivirals, and direct-acting antivirals plus PEG interferon plus ribavirin. Compared to placebo or control, standard interferon may make little or no difference to death (5 studies, 134 participants: RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.06 to 13.23) or relapse (low certainty evidence), probably improves end-of-treatment response (ETR) (5 studies, 132 participants: RR 8.62, 95% CI 3.03 to 24.55; I² = 0%) (moderate certainty evidence), and probably makes little or no difference to sustained virological response (SVR) (4 studies, 98 participants: RR 3.25, 95% CI 0.81 to 13.07; I² = 53%), treatment discontinuation (4 studies, 116 participants: RR 4.59, 95% CI 0.49 to 42.69; I² = 63%), and adverse events (5 studies, 143 participants: RR 3.56, 95% CI 0.98 to 13.01; I² = 25%) (moderate certainty evidence). In low certainty evidence, PEG interferon (1 study, 50 participants) may improve ETR (RR 1.53, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.15) but may make little or no difference to death (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.01 to 7.81), SVR (RR 2.40, 95% CI 0.99 to 5.81), treatment discontinuation (RR 0.11, 95% CI 0.01 to 1.96), adverse events (RR 0.11, 95% CI 0.01 to 1.96) and relapses (21/38 relapsed) (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.25) compared to standard interferon. In moderate certainty evidence, high-dose PEG interferon (alpha-2a and alpha-2b) may make little or no difference to death (2 studies, 97 participants: RR 4.30, 95% CI 0.76 to 24.33; I² = 0%), ETR (RR 1.42, 95% CI 0.51 to 3.90; I² = 20%), SVR (RR 1.19, 95% CI 0.68 to 2.07; I² = 0%), treatment discontinuation (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.63 to 2.28; I² = 0%) or adverse events (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.83; I² = 27%) compared to low-dose PEG interferon. High-dose PEG interferon may make little or no difference to relapses (1 study, 43 participants: RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.45 to 2.77; low certainty evidence). There were no significant subgroup differences. Standard interferon plus ribavirin may lead to higher treatment discontinuation (1 study, 52 participants: RR 2.97, 95% CI 1.19 to 7.36; low certainty evidence) compared to standard interferon alone.  In low certainty evidence, PEG interferon plus ribavirin (1 study, 377 participants) may improve SVR (RR 1.80, 95% CI 1.46 to 2.21), reduce relapses (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.48), slightly increase the number with adverse events (RR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.19), and may make little or no difference to ETR (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.09) compared to PEG interferon alone. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of PEG interferon plus ribavirin on treatment discontinuation (RR 1.71, 95% CI 0.69 to 4.24) compared to PEG interferon alone. One study reported grazoprevir plus elbasvir improved ETR (173 participants: RR 174.99, 95% CI 11.03 to 2775.78; low certainty evidence) compared to placebo. It is uncertain whether telaprevir plus ribavirin (high versus low initial dose) plus PEG interferon for 24 versus 48 weeks (1 study, 35 participants) improves ETR (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.56) or SVR (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.56) because the certainty of the evidence is very low.  Data on QoL, cost-effectiveness, cardiovascular outcomes and peritoneal dialysis were not available.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In dialysis patients with HCV infection grazoprevir plus elbasvir probably improves ETR. There is no difference in ETR or SVR for combinations of telaprevir, ribavirin and PEG interferon given for different durations and doses. Though no longer in use, PEG interferon was more effective than standard interferon for ETR but not SVR. Increasing doses of PEG interferon did not improve responses. The addition of ribavirin to PEG interferon may result in fewer relapses, higher SVR, and higher numbers with adverse events.

Significant perspectives on various viral infections targeted antiviral drugs and vaccines including COVID-19 pandemicity

A virus enters a living organism and recruits host metabolism to reproduce its own genome and proteins. The viral infections are intricate and cannot be completely removed through existing antiviral drugs. For example, the herpes, influenza, hepatitis and human immunodeficiency viruses are a few dreadful ones amongst them. Significant studies are needed to understand the viral entry and their growth in host cells to design effective antivirals. This review emphasizes the range of therapeutical antiviral drugs, inhibitors along with vaccines to fight against viral pathogens, especially for combating COVID-19. Moreover, we have provided the basic and in depth information about viral targets, drugs availability, their mechanisms of action, method of prevention of viral diseases and highlighted the significances of anticoagulants, convalescent plasma for COVID-19 treatment, scientific details of airborne transmission, characteristics of antiviral drug delivery using nanoparticles/carriers, nanoemulsions, nanogels, metal based nanoparticles, alike the future nanosystems through nanobubbles, nanofibers, nanodiamonds, nanotraps, nanorobots and eventually, the therapeutic applications of micro- and nanoparticulates, current status for clinical development against COVID-19 together with environmental implications of antivirals, gene therapy etc., which may be useful for repurposing and designing of novel antiviral drugs against various dreadful diseases, especially the SARS-CoV-2 and other associated variants.

Sofosbuvir-based hepatitis C therapies in patients with chronic and end-stage kidney disease

Sofosbuvir (SOF), a nucleotide inhibitor of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) polymerase, is a component of several all-oral HCV therapies. GS-331007, SOF's predominant metabolite, is renally eliminated and accumulates 5- to 20-fold in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) or undergoing hemodialysis (HD), respectively. Preclinical data did not determine whether these exposures represented a risk for toxicity. Therefore subjects with advanced CKD were not included in registrational studies and SOF was not initially approved for use in advanced CKD. Nevertheless, after initial licensing, off-label use of SOF at full or reduced doses was reported in patients with kidney disease. Two clinical trials of SOF-containing therapies were conducted in patients with end-stage kidney disease, demonstrating safety and efficacy. These led to expanded US Food and Drug Administration approval in 2019 for the use of SOF-containing regimens in patients with advanced CKD, including dialysis dependence. Even so, given the availability of protease inhibitor-containing direct-acting antiviral regimens, there was a reluctance by some practitioners to use SOF-containing regimens in moderate to severe kidney disease. Here we review the existing data on SOF's pharmacokinetics, toxicology, efficacy and safety in patients with kidney disease. Data from both clinical trials and real-world practice settings indicate that in patients with moderate to severe kidney disease, full-dose SOF-based regimens have high rates of efficacy and acceptable safety and tolerability profiles, without increased risk for cardiac adverse events or clinically meaningful changes in kidney function. SOF-based regimens are safe and effective in patients who have moderate to severe kidney disease, including those undergoing HD.

Recent advances of gut microbiota in chronic kidney disease patients

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health issue and has ultimately progressed to an end-stage renal disease that requires life-long dialysis or renal transplantation. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of these pathological development and progression remains to be fully understood. The human gut microbiota is made up of approximately 100 trillion microbial cells including anaerobic and aerobic species. In recent years, more and more evidence has indicated a clear association between dysbiosis of gut microbiota and CKD including immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, diabetic kidney disease, membranous nephropathy, chronic renal failure and end-stage renal disease. The current review describes gut microbial dysbiosis and metabolites in patients with CKD thus helping to understand human disease. Treatment with prebiotics, probiotics and natural products can attenuate CKD through improving dysbiosis of gut microbiota, indicating a novel intervention strategy in patients with CKD. This review also discusses therapeutic options, such as prebiotics, probiotics and natural products, for targeting dysbiosis of gut microbiota in patients to provide more specific concept-driven therapy strategy for CKD treatment.

Revolution in the diagnosis and management of hepatitis C virus infection in current era

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major global public health problem, particularly in developing part of the world. Significant advances have been made in the early diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Its management has been particularly revolutionized during the past two decades. In this review, we summarize the major advances in the diagnostic and management armamentarium for chronic HCV infection. The focus of the present review is on the newer directly acting anti-viral agents, which have revolutionized the management of chronic HCV infection. Management of uncomplicated chronic HCV infection and of specific complications and special at-risk populations of patients will be covered in detail. Despite the advent and approval of highly effective and well tolerable oral agents, still many challenges remain, particularly the affordability, the equitable distribution and access to later drugs. The World Health Organization aims to eliminate viral hepatitis including HCV by 2030 since its poses a major public health threat. There is an urgent need to ensure uniform and early access to diagnostic and therapeutic facilities throughout the world if the later goal has to be realized.

Sofosbuvir plus velpatasvir combination for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in patients with end stage renal disease on renal replacement therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Sofosbuvir (SOF) and velpatasvir (VEL) is a pan-genotypic regimen for the treatment of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The data on the efficacy and safety of this regimen is end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is scanty. This systematic review and meta-analysis was done to ascertain the efficacy and safety of SOF and VEL in patients with chronic Hepatitis C (CHC) and ESRD on renal replacement therapy (RRT).

METHODS

Systematic search of Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted using the search term (end-stage renal disease OR renal replacement therapy OR chronic kidney failure OR severe renal impairment OR chronic kidney disease OR haemodialysis OR dialysis OR peritoneal dialysis) AND (sofosbuvir OR velpatasvir OR NS5A inhibitors OR directly acting antivirals). Pooled sustained virologic response (SVR) and adverse event rates with 95% confidence intervals were estimated.

RESULTS

Seven studies (410 patients with CHC and ESRD on RRT) fulfilled our eligibility criteria. The overall pooled SVR rate of SOF and VEL in patients with HCV on RRT was 97.69% (95% CI: 95.71 to 98.92). There was no significant heterogeneity (I² : 39.3%, p-value of Cochran's Q = 0.13) among the studies. The pooled estimate of efficacy of SOF-VEL combination among patients with cirrhosis was 91.94% (95% CI 77.03-98.52). Pooled SVR rates in genotype 3 infection [94.6%, (95%: CI 81.3-99.4)] was comparable to that in those with documented non-genotype 3 infection [94.63%, (95% CI 87.12-98.44)]. No serious adverse event attributable to SOF and VEL was reported in the included studies.

CONCLUSION

The fixed-dose combination of SOF and VEL is effective and safe in CHC patients with ESRD on RRT.

An updated systematic review and meta-analysis on efficacy of Sofosbuvir in treating hepatitis C-infected patients with advanced chronic kidney disease

Sofosbuvir seems to be a revolutionary treatment for Hepatitis C-infected patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) but existing evidence is not quite adequate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Sofosbuvir-based therapy without Ribavirin for all hepatitis C virus genotypes among patients with advanced CKD. We conducted an updated systematic literature search from the beginning of 2013 up to June 2020. Sustained virologic response (SVR) rate at 12 and/or 24 weeks after the end of treatment, and adverse events in HCV-infected patients with advanced CKD were pooled using random effects models. We included 27 published articles in our meta-analyses, totaling 1,464 HCV-infected patients with advanced CKD. We found a substantial heterogeneity based on the I2 index (P = 0.00, I2 = 56.1%). The pooled SVR rates at 12 and 24 weeks after the end of Sofosbuvir-based treatment were 97% (95% Confidence Interval: 95-99) and 95% (89-99) respectively. The pooled SVR12 rates were 98% (96-100) and 94% (90-97) in patients under 60 and over 60 years old respectively. The pooled incidence of severe adverse events was 0.11 (0.04-0.19). The pooled SVR12 rate after completion of the half dose regimen was as high as the full dose treatment but it was associated with less adverse events (0.06 versus 0.14). The pooled SVR12 rate was 98% (91-100) in cirrhotic patients and 100% (98-100) in non-cirrhotic patients. The endorsement of Sofosbuvir-based regimen can improve the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection in patients with advanced CKD.