A pilot single arm observational study of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (200 + 45 mg) in 6- to 12- year old children

Efficacy and safety of DAA in children and adolescents with chronic HCV infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of pan-genotypic regimens, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB), sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL), and sofosbuvir/daclatasvir (SOF/DCV) and other direct-acting antivirals (DAA) regimens for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected adolescents (12-18 years), older children (6-11 years), and young children (3-5 years). The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to inform the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

METHODS

We included clinical trials and observational studies published up to August 11, 2021, that evaluated DAA regimens in HCV-infected adolescents, older children, and young children. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases and key conference abstracts. Sustained virological response 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12), adverse events (AEs), and treatment discontinuation were the outcomes evaluated. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified version of the ROBINS-I tool. Data were pooled using random-effects models, and certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.

RESULTS

A total of 49 studies including 1882 adolescents, 436 older children, and 166 young children were considered. The SVR12 was 100% (95% Confidence Interval: 96-100), 96% (90-100), and 96% (83-100) for GLE/PIB in adolescents, older, and young children, respectively; 95% (90-99), 93% (86-98), and 83% (70-93), for SOF/VEL, respectively; and 100% (97-100) and 100% (94-100) for SOF/DCV in adolescent and older children, respectively. There was a clear trend towards a higher rate of any reported AE from adolescents (50%), older children (53%), to young children (72%). Serious AEs and treatment discontinuations were uncommon in adolescents and older children (<1%) but slightly higher in young children (3%).

CONCLUSIONS

All three pan-genotypic DAA regimens were highly effective and well-tolerated and are now recommended by the WHO for use in adults, adolescents, and children down to 3 years, which will simplify procurement and supply chain management. The evidence was based largely on single-arm non-randomized controlled studies. Moreover, there were also missing data regarding key variables such as route of HCV acquisition, presence or absence of cirrhosis, or HIV co-infection that precluded evaluation of the impact of these factors on outcomes.

PROSPERO RECORD

CRD42020146752.

Treatment of hepatitis C in children and adolescents: how far have we reached?

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global public health problem and also generates a significant case load in children and adolescents. With the introduction of directly acting antivirals (DAA), the treatment and care of HCV-infected patients have progressed significantly. The available treatment options in children are limited, and this review aims to provide an overview of treatment of HCV infection in children and adolescents with the current available DAA regimens.

DATA SOURCES

This comprehensive review was undertaken after searching the PubMed/Medline and Embase databases for the available up-to-date literature on pediatric HCV infection and treatment using hepatitis C virus infection/HCV, directly acting antivirals/DAA, natural history, treatment, pediatrics, children, and adolescents as keywords.

RESULTS

Combination therapies with highly effective DAA regimes, such as sofosbuvir/ledipasvir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, sofosbuvir/daclatasvir, sofosbuvir/ribavirin and others, are available for use in children. Most of the DAA regimens have either received or are pending to receive regulatory approval by different medical/drug agencies for use in children and adolescents. Pan-genotypic regimens are also available in children and adolescents, and these regimens can be used while skipping genotype testing.

CONCLUSION

The literature on different DAA regimens for use in children shows that these regimens have higher cure rates with minimal side effects and shorter duration of therapy.

Efficacy and Safety of the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C with Sofosbuvir/Ledipasvir in Children Aged 5 to 10 Years with Comorbidities—A Brief Report

The efficacy and safety of 12 weeks of therapy with sofosbuvir/ledipasvir in three patients aged 5–10 years are presented. All three children suffered from comorbidities, including chronic kidney disease in two. All participants achieved a sustained virologic response 12 weeks after the end of treatment. No adverse effects were reported during or after the treatment, and the compliance was good. Decisions on starting treatment in children below 6 years of age should be made individually, taking compliance into consideration. The adjustment of formulation and dosing of medication during treatment is necessary in young children. Further research with larger groups of patients is needed to confirm our findings.

Real-Life Experience with Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection with Genotypes 1 and 4 in Children Aged 12 to 17 Years-Results of the POLAC Project

BACKGROUND

Available real-world data on the efficacy and safety of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) in pediatric patients are limited. In this prospective, open-label, single-center study, we aimed to present our real-life experience with a fixed dose of LDV/SOF (90/400 mg) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) genotypes 1 and 4 in children aged 12 to 17 years.

METHODS

We analyzed intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) rates of sustained virological response (SVR), defined as undetectable HCV viral load at posttreatment week 12, in 37 participants treated with LDV/SOF according to the HCV genotype, baseline liver fibrosis, duration of treatment, and experience of the previous ineffective antiviral treatment. There were 32 patients infected with genotype 1 and 5 with genotype 4. Fourteen (38%) participants were treatment-experienced, two were coinfected with HIV, and three were cirrhotic. Two patients qualified for 24 weeks of therapy, and the remaining 35 received 12 weeks of LDV/SOF treatment.

RESULTS

The overall ITT SVR12 rate was 36/37 (97%). One patient was lost to follow-up after week 4 of therapy when his HCV RNA was undetectable. All 36 patients who completed the full protocol achieved SVR (36/36, 100%). PP analyses of SVR12 rates according to the HCV genotype, baseline liver fibrosis, duration of the treatment, and previous ineffective treatment were all 100%. A significant decrease in aminotransferase serum levels was observed in the subsequent weeks of the treatment and at SVR assessment compared to baseline. No serious adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study confirm previous observations of a suitable efficacy and safety profile of LDV/SOF for the treatment of CHC genotypes 1 and 4 in adolescents.

High SVR12 With 8-Week Course of Direct-Acting Antivirals in Adolescents and Children With Chronic Hepatitis C: A Comprehensive Analysis

Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment for 8 weeks has a sustained virological response rate in adults with chronic hepatitis C. We have conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of the 8-week vs. 12/24-week DAA treatment in adolescents and children with CHC. The PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched for the relevant articles from January 1, 2017 to August 28, 2020 and further screened for literature reviews on April 1, 2021. Pool proportions with 95% CIs for SVR12 were summarized with fixed/random effects models using Freeman–Tukey double arcsine transformation. Subgroup analysis was used to explore the source of heterogeneity. Thirty-six relevant publications were identified. For adolescents aged 12–17 years old, the pooled SVR12 and AE rate were 99.4% (95% CI: 98.7–99.9) and 34.7% (95% CI: 31.9–37.6). No one discontinued treatment due to drug intolerance. In addition, the SVR12 adolescents treated for 12 and 8/24 weeks were 99.3% (95% CI: 98.4–99.9) and 100%, respectively. The pooled SVR12 rate, AEs, and SAEs for children younger than 12 years were 98.9% (95% CI: 97.3–99.8), 51.6% (95% CI: 47.0–56.2), and 1.1% (95% CI: 0.4–2.5), respectively. The most common AE was fatigue (28.4%). The SVR12 was 98.8% (95% CI: 97.1–99.8) and 100% for the pediatric patients treated for 12 weeks and 8/24 weeks, respectively. Taken together, DAAs are generally effective against CHC and well-tolerated by the adolescents and children. A treatment duration of 8 weeks is equally effective and safe as 12/24 weeks in this demographic group.

Breakthroughs and challenges in the management of pediatric viral hepatitis

Chronic infections by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) major causes of advanced liver disease and mortality worldwide. Although regarded as benign infections in children, their persistence through adulthood is undoubtedly of concern. Recent advances in HCV treatment have restored the visibility of these conditions and raised expectations for HBV treatment, which is currently far from being curative. Herein we describe direct-acting antivirals available for pediatric HCV (sofosbuvir/ledipasvir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) and their real-world use. A critical review of the HBV pediatric classification is provided. Anti-HBV investigational compounds are reviewed in light of the pathophysiology in the pediatric population, including capsid assembly modulators, antigen secretion inhibitors, silencing RNAs, and immune modifiers. Recommendations for screening and management of immunosuppressed children or those with other risk factors or comorbidities are also summarized.

Cascade of care for children and adolescents with chronic hepatitis C. World J Gastroenterol 2021;27:1117-1131. [PMID: 33828389 PMCID: PMC8006101 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i12.1117]

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection presents a significant global public health burden. In 2015, over 400000 deaths worldwide were attributed to HCV infection. This led the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016 to set the ambitious goal of eliminating HCV by 2030. Adult-centered guidelines have been established in order to provide direction for healthcare professionals, allowing integration of the newest screening policies and therapeutic strategies into their practices. However, for children and adolescents, HCV is a significant, unrecognized public health problem. HCV infection rates in the United States in women of childbearing age and those who are pregnant have increased in parallel with the rising opioid epidemic. An estimated 29000 women with HCV infection gave birth each year from 2011 to 2014 in the United States, with approximately 1700 of their infants being infected with HCV. Newer HCV-specific therapeutics, namely direct acting antivirals (DAA), has brought a new and highly successful approach to treatment of hepatitis C. Recent studies have confirmed similar levels of effectiveness and safety of DAA therapies in the pediatric population. Thus, an enhanced cascade of care, which should include the population under 18 years of age, can help achieve the WHO goal by focusing on elimination in the youngest populations. This review will present an overview of the natural history, clinical features, and management of HCV in children and adolescents.

The 9th Canadian Symposium on Hepatitis C Virus: Advances in HCV research and treatment towards elimination

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination has evolved into a coordinated global effort. Canada, with more than 250,000 chronically infected individuals, is among the countries leading this effort. The 9th Canadian Symposium on HCV, held in February 2020, thus established and addressed its theme, 'advances in HCV research and treatment towards elimination', by gathering together basic scientists, clinicians, epidemiologists, social scientists, and community members interested in HCV research in Canada. Plenary sessions showcased topical research from prominent international and national researchers, complemented by select abstract presentations. This event was hosted by the Canadian Network on Hepatitis C (CanHepC), with support from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and in partnership with the Canadian Liver Meeting. CanHepC has an established record in HCV research by its members and in its advocacy activities to address the care, treatment, diagnosis, and immediate and long-term needs of those affected by HCV infection. Many challenges remain in tackling chronic HCV infection, such as the need for a vaccine; difficult-to-treat populations and unknown aspects of patient subgroups, including pregnant women and children; vulnerable people; and issues distinct to Indigenous peoples. There is also increasing concern about long-term clinical outcomes after successful treatment, with the rise in comorbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and fatty liver disease and the remaining risk for hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic individuals. The symposium addressed these topics in highlighting research advances that will collectively play an important role in eliminating HCV and minimizing subsequent health challenges.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: the efficacy and safety of direct-acting antivirals in children and adolescents with chronic hepatitis C virus infection

BACKGROUND

The effect of direct-acting anti-virals (DAAs) in children and adolescents with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is difficult to determine, since few, aged between 3 and 18 years, have been enrolled in clinical trials, and some data come from observational studies.

AIM

To summarise the evidence on efficacy and safety of DAAs in children and adolescents with chronic HCV infection.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies on the efficacy and safety of DAAs in subjects <18 years of age. We considered the sustained virological response at post-treatment week 12 as efficacy outcome and adverse events as safety outcome. We considered intervention effect for each study arm by calculating the proportion of sustained virologic response at post-treatment week 12 in subjects receiving all doses of treatment and proportion of adverse events in subjects receiving at least one dose of treatment. Pooled proportions were calculated using the Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation. Random effects model was used for all analyses.

RESULTS

Among 39 included studies (1796 subjects), the pooled proportion among those receiving all doses of treatment and reaching sustained virologic response at post-treatment week 12 was 100% (95% confidence interval: 100-100). Considering subjects receiving at least one dose of treatment, lowest estimates were reported among children with cirrhosis (83%). Headache and fatigue were the most common adverse events. Serious adverse events were uncommon.

CONCLUSIONS

Children and adolescents with chronic HCV infection can be safely treated with DAAs with similar efficacy as reported in adults.

Hepatitis C Virus Treatment in Children: A Challenge for Hepatitis C Virus Elimination

Hepatitis C is a global public health threat. The introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) brings the prospect of curing the 71 million people living with the disease, dramatically changing the landscape of hepatitis C. The World Health Organization developed a roadmap for the elimination and cure of hepatitis C by 2030 with a clear goal with measurable targets. However, there is a lack of a well-defined strategy to tackle the hepatitis C virus (HCV) problem in children and adolescents vis-à-vis the adult population. Hepatitis C in children and adolescents can be addressed as part of a national policy for elimination in the whole population, namely macroelimination, or could be fragmented into a microelimination approach targeting the high-risk population groups. Children born to HCV-infected mothers, adolescents who are injecting drugs, migrants, and those suffering from inherited blood diseases are important target populations. After the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for the use of DAAs in children aged 3 years and above, evidence from clinical trials and real-world experience was accumulated using brand and generic medicines, with sustained virological response rates exceeding 95%. The evidence created should guide policies on the management of hepatitis C in children and adolescents. There are many challenges in managing HCV in this left-behind marginalized population. The lack of awareness and epidemiological data, consent age, prohibitive prices of medicines, and absence of policies on access to diagnostics, treatment, and linkage to care are among the many barriers to service delivery that should be addressed to achieve the elimination goal by 2030.

Safety and Efficacy of 8 Weeks Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir for Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 4 in Children Aged 4-10 Years

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of shortened 8-week regimen of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LED/SOF) combination therapy in treatment-naïve children without cirrhosis aged 4-10 years of age with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

STUDY DESIGN

This observational single arm prospective study included 30 treatment-naïve children (20 males) with proved chronic HCV fulfilling inclusion criteria. Their body weights ranged from 17 to 26 kg. Four patients were excluded from the study. All the included children received a single oral dose of LED/SOF 45/200 mg for 8 weeks. Body weight, HCV-RNA, complete blood count, and liver function tests were monitored at 0, 2, 4, and 8 weeks and sustained virologic response was evaluated after 12 weeks after treatment (SVR12). The emergence of any side effects was also monitored.

RESULTS

The most common risk factor (53.3%) was an parent or sibling with HCV infection. Twenty-nine patients (96.7%) were negative for HCV-RNA by week 2 of treatment and 1 patient became negative by week 4. The end of treatment response and SVR12 were 100%. Transaminases levels declined and returned to normal levels by week 2. Major side effects were fatigue in 90% (27/30) and headache in 76.7% (23/30). Side effects were minimal, tolerable, and did not interfere with daily activity or necessitate treatment discontinuation.

CONCLUSIONS

A shortened 8-week regimen of LED/SOF (45/200 mg) is safe and effective with 100% SVR12 in treatment-naïve children with cirrhosis aged 4-10 years with chronic HCV infection genotype 4.

Effects of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir therapy on chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 4, infected children of 3-6 years of age

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Treatment of children aged 3-6 genotype 4 is still limited by the interferon side effects. We aimed in this study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir in children (3-6 years) genotype 4 chronic HCV-infected patients.

METHODS

In total, 22 consecutive chronic HCV-infected patients (mean age 4.8 ± 0.9years, 19 males) were included in this prospective study. All patients received sofosbuvir 200 mg/ledipasvir 45 mg in a single oral daily dose. Patients were randomly subdivided into two groups according the duration of treatment into 8 and 12 weeks. All the clinical and laboratory data were collected. All the side effects were recorded from the patients or their parents. Follow-up were made at Week 4, 8 and 12 and 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12).

RESULTS

The overall SVR12 rate was 100%. At Week 4, 9/11 patients in the 12-week group (81.8%; 95% CI: 52.3%-94.7%) achieved virologic negativity, vs 10/11 (90.9%; 95% CI: 62.3%-98.4%) in the 8-week group. At Week 8, 10/11 (90.8%; 95% CI: 62.3%-98.4%) in the 12-week group vs 11/11 (100%; 95% CI: 74.1%-100%) in the 8-week group were virologically negative. The reported side effects were cough, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea especially early in the treatment. The main complaint was difficulty in swallowing the tablets in the youngest patient at the beginning of the course of treatment. All patients were compliant to treatment.

CONCLUSION

Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir combination is safe and tolerable in the chronic infected HCV genotype 4 infected children (3-6 years). The 8-week treatment duration is similarly effective as the 12-week duration.

Perinatal transmission of hepatitis C virus: an update

Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major health problem worldwide. A large proportion of perinatal HCV infections are silent and may present later in adulthood with long-term complications. HCV has no effective immune prophylaxis and hence appropriate follow-up of all infants born to HCV-infected mothers is necessary. Universal antenatal screening for HCV is largely debatable. Intrauterine and partum transmission of HCV are both possible and higher rates are associated with a high maternal serum viral load (> 10⁶ copies per milliliter), concomitant HIV infection, prolonged or difficult delivery, and invasive fetal monitoring during delivery. Infection during pregnancy and infancy needs to be investigated more in order to design management strategies for perinatal transmission of HCV most effectively. The recently approved new-generation, oral, direct-acting antiviral drugs may open a new era in HCV therapy for pregnant women and infected infants if proved to be safe during conception and infancy.

Paediatric hepatitis C virus infection and its treatment: Present, past, and future

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease in the world. It is a challenging medico-social problem in the paediatric population. High HCV infection rates are reported in low and middle incomes countries. From the health economic point of view treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) with subsequent virus eradication is very effective as it eliminates the long-term sequelae of untreated or maltreated HCV. In this review we summarize the updates and highlight the historical approach of treatment of chronic HCV infection in children in the new era of directly acting antiviral (DAA) agents.

Treatment and monitoring of children with chronic hepatitis C in the Pre-DAA era: A European survey of 38 paediatric specialists

The burden of paediatric Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection across Europe is unknown, as are current policies regarding monitoring and treatment. This collaborative study aimed to collect aggregate data to characterise the population of ≤18-year-olds with HCV infection in specialist follow up in a 12-month period (2016) across the PENTAHep European consortium, and investigate current policies around monitoring and treatment. A cross-sectional, web-based survey was distributed in April 2017 to 50 paediatricians in 19 European countries, covering patients' profile, and monitoring and treatment practices. Responses were received from 38/50 clinicians collectively caring for 663 children with chronic HCV infection of whom three-quarters were aged ≥6 years and 90% vertically infected. HCV genotype 1 was the most common (n 380; 57.3%), followed by genotype 3, 4 and 2. Seventeen children (3%) with chronic HCV infection were diagnosed with cirrhosis, and six were reported to have received liver transplantation for HCV-related liver disease. The majority (n 425; 64.1%) of the European children with HCV infection remained treatment-naive in 2016. Age affected clinicians' attitudes towards treatment; 94% reported being willing to use direct-acting antivirals, if available, in adolescents (aged ≥11 years), 78% in children aged 6-10 and 42% in those 3-5 years of age (Pearson correlation coefficient -0.98; P 0.0001). This survey provides the largest characterisation of the population of children in clinical follow-up for chronic HCV infection in Europe, alongside important contextual information on their management and treatment. Discussion is needed around strategies and criteria for use of direct-acting antivirals in these children.

Hepatitis C virus infection in children and adolescents

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease and associated morbidity and mortality worldwide. Short-course, oral, curative, direct-acting antiviral regimens have transformed treatment for HCV infection. Since the 2016 launch of the first global strategy towards elimination of viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, the predominant focus of the global response has been on the treatment of adults, who bear the greatest burden of morbidity and mortality of HCV-related chronic liver disease. Compared with adults, there has been little attention paid to addressing the response to HCV in children and adolescents, in part because of the scarcity of data to inform specific paediatric management practices and policy. In this Series paper, we summarise knowledge on the epidemiology, natural history, and treatment of chronic HCV infection in adolescents and children, and we highlight key differences from infection acquired in adulthood. The estimated global prevalence and burden of HCV infection in children aged 1-19 years is 0·15%, corresponding to 3·5 million people (95% CI 3·1-3·9 million). HCV infection is usually asymptomatic during childhood, and cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma are rare. Sofosbuvir with ledipasvir and sofosbuvir with ribavirin have received regulatory approval and guidelines recommend their use in adolescents aged 12 years and older with HCV infection. In April, 2019, glecaprevir with pibrentasvir also received regulatory approval for adolescents aged 12-17 years. Key actions to address the current policy gaps and achieve treatment scale-up that is comparable to that in adults include: establishment of a campaign on access to testing and treatment that is targeted at children and adolescents; fast-track evaluation of pan-genotypic regimens; and accelerated approval of paediatric formulations. Research gaps that need to be addressed include: age-specific prevalence studies of HCV viraemia in priority countries; further validation of non-invasive tests for staging of liver disease in children; and establishment of paediatric treatment registries and international consortia to promote collaborative research agendas.

Treatment of Adolescents With Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection: New Regimen on the Block

BLURB FOR ETOC

Editorial to Leung et al. "Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir With or Without Dasabuvir and With or Without Ribavirin for Adolescents With HCV Genotype 1 or 4".

Hepatitis C virus infection in children: How do we prevent it and how do we treat it?

INTRODUCTION

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important contributor to the worldwide burden of liver-related morbidity and mortality. Mother-to-child transmission of HCV ranges from 6 to 11% in different populations globally, but accurate estimates on the burden of pediatric HCV infection are limited because screening approaches are not consistent. Areas covered: The advent of new direct-acting antiviral agents that achieve very high rates of sustained virologic response (representing virologic cure) with short (i.e. 8-12 weeks) regimens has revolutionized the field of HCV treatment and led to the development of global elimination goals for HCV transmission and mortality. However, information on their safety during pregnancy and efficacy in preventing mother-to-child transmission is lacking. Currently, there are no approved treatment regimens with these antiviral agents for children younger than 12 years of age. Expert commentary: If these agents are shown to be safe during pregnancy and effective in preventing transmission to the infant, screening of pregnant women and antenatal treatment of those infected, could pave the way for eliminating pediatric HCV infection- particularly as these drugs become less costly and more accessible. Treatment of infected children when indicated, along with universal safe health care practices, can further pediatric HCV elimination.