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Lo CC, Huang CF, Cheng PN, Tseng KC, Chen CY, Kuo HT, Huang YH, Tai CM, Peng CY, Bair MJ, Chen CH, Yeh ML, Lin CL, Lin CY, Lee PL, Chong LW, Hung CH, Chang TS, Huang JF, Yang CC, Hu JT, Lin CW, Chen CT, Wang CC, Su WW, Hsieh TY, Lin CL, Tsai WL, Lee TH, Chen GY, Wang SJ, Chang CC, Mo LR, Yang SS, Wu WC, Huang CS, Hsiung CK, Kao CN, Tsai PC, Liu CH, Lee MH, Liu CJ, Dai CY, Chuang WL, Lin HC, Kao JH, Yu ML. Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for HCV genotype 1, 2, 4-6 infection: Real-world evidence from a nationwide registry in Taiwan. J Formos Med Assoc 2022; 121:1567-1578. [PMID: 35123849 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2022.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE The Taiwan Association for the Study of the Liver (TASL) HCV Registry (TACR) is a nationwide registry of chronic hepatitis C patients in Taiwan. This study evaluated antiviral effectiveness of ledipasvir (LDV)/sofosbuvir (SOF) in patients in the TACR. METHODS Patients enrolled in TACR from 2017-2020 treated with LDV/SOF were eligible. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with sustained virologic response 12 weeks after end of treatment (SVR12). RESULTS 5644 LDV/SOF ± ribavirin-treated patients were included (mean age: 61.4 years; 54.4% female). Dominant viral genotypes were GT1 (50.8%) and GT2 (39.3%). 1529 (27.1%) patients had liver cirrhosis, including 201 (3.6%) with liver decompensation; 686 (12.2%) had chronic kidney disease. SVR12 was achieved in 98.6% of the overall population and in 98.2% and 98.7% of patients with and without cirrhosis, respectively. SVR12 rates in patients with compensated cirrhosis treated with LDV/SOF without RBV were >98%, regardless of prior treatment experience. SVR12 was 98.6%, 98.4%, 100%, 100%, and 98.7% among those with GT1, GT2, GT4, GT5, and GT6 infections, respectively. Although patient numbers were relatively small, SVR12 rates of 100% were reported in patients infected with HCV GT2, GT5, and GT6 with decompensated cirrhosis and 98% in patients with severely compromised renal function. LDV/SOF adherence ≤60% (P < 0.001) was the most important factor associated with treatment failure. Incidence of adverse events was 15.8%, with fatigue being the most common. CONCLUSION LDV/SOF is effective and well tolerated in routine clinical practice in Taiwan. Cure rates were high across patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Chu Lo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Martin De Porres Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan; Chung-Jen Junior College of Nursing, Health Sciences and Management, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Feng Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, Center for Cancer Research and Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Nan Cheng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chih Tseng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Chiayi; School of Medicine, Tzuchi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Yi Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chiayi Christian Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Tao Kuo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Yongkang District, Tainan, 710, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ming Tai
- Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yuan Peng
- Center for Digestive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jong Bair
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taitung Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taiwan; Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hung Chen
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lun Yeh
- School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, Center for Cancer Research and Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Lang Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yen Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Lun Lee
- Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taiwan
| | - Lee-Won Chong
- Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Hung Hung
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan; Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, ChiaYi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Te Sheng Chang
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, ChiaYi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jee-Fu Huang
- School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, Center for Cancer Research and Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chieh Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Division of Internal Medicine, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Ting Hu
- Liver Center, Cathay General Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wen Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, E-Da Dachang Hospital, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ting Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine Tri-Service General Hospital Penghu Branch, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chi Wang
- Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation and School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Wen Su
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Yuan Hsieh
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Lin Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renai Branch, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Lun Tsai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Tzong-Hsi Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taiwan
| | | | - Szu-Jen Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yuan's General Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chao Chang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taiwan; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan
| | - Lein-Ray Mo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tainan Municipal Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Shun Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | - Chien-Neng Kao
- National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chien Tsai
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Hua Liu
- Hepatitis Research Center and Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hsuan Lee
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Hepatitis Research Center and Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yen Dai
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, Center for Cancer Research and Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Long Chuang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, Center for Cancer Research and Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chieh Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Hepatitis Research Center and Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taiwan.
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, Center for Cancer Research and Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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Alarfaj SJ, Alzahrani A, Alotaibi A, Almutairi M, Hakami M, Alhomaid N, Alharthi N, Korayem GB, Alghamdi A. The effectiveness and safety of direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C virus treatment: A single-center experience in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Pharm J 2022; 30:1448-1453. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2022.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Hepatitis C Virus Subtypes Novel 6g-Related Subtype and 6w Could Be Indigenous in Southern Taiwan with Characteristic Geographic Distribution. Viruses 2021; 13:v13071316. [PMID: 34372521 PMCID: PMC8310057 DOI: 10.3390/v13071316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (GT) 6 is the most genetically diverse GT and mainly distributed in Southeast Asia and south China but not Taiwan. Earlier studies showed the major HCV GTs in Taiwan were GT 1b and 2 with very rare GT 6 except in injection drug users (IDUs), and subtype 6a is the main GT 6 subtype among IDUs. Recently, we reported a much higher prevalence (18.3%) of GT 6 in Tainan City, southern Taiwan. This study was designed to clarify the subtypes of GT 6 in this endemic area. A total of 3022 (1343 men and 1679 women) HCV viremic patients were enrolled. Subtypes of GT 6 were determined by sequencing of core/E1 and nonstructural protein 5B in 322 of 518 GT 6 patients. The overall GT 6 prevalence rate was 17.1% (518/3022), with higher prevalence districts (>25%) located in northern Tainan. A novel 6g-related subtype is the most prevalent subtype (81.0%), followed by 6w (10.8%), 6a (7.5%), and 6n (0.7%). The high GT 6 prevalence in Tainan was mainly due to a novel 6g-related subtype and 6w. These two subtypes could be indigenous in Tainan with characteristic geographic distribution.
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Chen C, Huang C, Cheng P, Tseng K, Lo C, Kuo H, Huang Y, Tai C, Peng C, Bair M, Chen C, Yeh M, Lin C, Lin C, Lee P, Chong L, Hung C, Huang J, Yang C, Hu J, Lin C, Chen C, Wang C, Su W, Hsieh T, Lin C, Tsai W, Lee T, Chen G, Wang S, Chang C, Mo L, Yang S, Wu W, Huang C, Hsiung C, Kao C, Tsai P, Liu C, Lee M, Liu C, Dai C, Kao J, Chuang W, Lin H, Yu M. Factors associated with treatment failure of direct-acting antivirals for chronic hepatitis C: A real-world nationwide hepatitis C virus registry programme in Taiwan. Liver Int 2021; 41:1265-1277. [PMID: 33655714 PMCID: PMC8252422 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are highly effective in treating chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients. The real-world treatment outcome in Taiwanese patients on a nationwide basis is elusive. METHODS The Taiwan HCV Registry (TACR) programme is a nationwide registry platform including 48 study sites, which is organized and supervised by the Taiwan Association for the Study of the Liver. The primary endpoint was sustained virological response (SVR12, undetectable HCV RNA 12 weeks after end-of-treatment). RESULTS A total of 13 951 registered patients with SVR12 data available were analysed (mean age, 63.0 years; female, 55.9%; HCV genotype-1 [GT1], 57.9%; cirrhosis, 38.4%; preexisting hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC], 10.6%; and hepatitis B virus coinfection, 7.7%). The overall SVR12 rate was 98.3%, with 98.7%, 98.0%, 98.4% and 97.4% in treatment-naïve noncirrhotic, treatment-naïve cirrhotic, treatment-experienced noncirrhotic and treatment-experienced cirrhotic patients, respectively. The SVR12 rate was > 95% across all subgroups except treatment-experienced cirrhotic patients who received sofosbuvir/ribavirin (88.7%), treatment-naïve noncirrhotic patients (94.8%) and treatment-experienced cirrhotic (94.8%) patients who received daclatasvir/asunaprevir. The most important factor associated with treatment failure was DAA adherence < 60% ( adjusted odds ratio [aOR]/95% confidence interval [CI]: 117.1/52.4-261.3, P < .001), followed by GT3/GT2 (aOR/CI: 5.78/2.25-14.9, P = .0003 and aOR/CI: 1.55/1.05-2.29, P = .03, compared with GT1), active hepatocellular carcinoma (aOR/CI: 4.29/2.57-7.16, P < .001), the use of sofosbuvir/ribavirin (aOR/CI: 2.51/1.67-3.77, P < .001) and daclatasvir/asunaprevir (aOR/CI: 3.29/1.94-5.58, P < .001), decompensated liver cirrhosis (aOR/CI: 2.50/1.20-5.22, P = .02) and high HCV viral loads (aOR/CI: 2.16/1.57-2.97, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS DAAs are highly effective in treating Taiwanese HCV patients in the real-world setting. Maintaining DAA adherence and selecting highly efficacious regimens are keys to ensure treatment success.
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Jang TY, Liang PC, Liu TW, Wei YJ, Yeh ML, Hsu CT, Hsu PY, Lin YH, Hsieh MH, Huang CI, Huang CF, Lin ZY, Chen SC, Huang JF, Dai CY, Yu ML, Chuang WL. Genotype distribution, clinical characteristics, and racial differences observed in chronic hepatitis C patients in Pingtung, Taiwan. J Chin Med Assoc 2021; 84:255-260. [PMID: 33433134 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) set out to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by 2030, a goal Taiwan might achieve before 2025. Using effective direct antiviral agents (DAAs) against chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in Taiwan, the treatment of CHC has been initiated in rural areas. Here, we aimed to elucidate the clinical and virological characteristics of HCV infection, and the treatment efficacy of DAAs in patients from Pingtung county in southern Taiwan. METHODS A total of 152 chronic hepatitis patients treated with DAAs were consecutively enrolled. Baseline characteristics and therapeutic efficacy were evaluated. RESULTS HCV genotype 2 was the most common viral genotype (39.5%), followed by 1b (36.8%), 6 (10.5%), and 1a (9.2%). The sustained virological response (SVR) rate was 98.7%. Hakka patients accounted for 22.4% of the study cohort, of which 14.7% had HCV genotype 6. There were no differences in clinical characteristics between Hakka and non-Hakka patients. Patients with HCV genotype 6 were younger in age (OR/CI: 0.95/0.91-1.00, p = 0.04) and composed of more people who inject drugs (PWID) (OR/CI: 17.6/3.6-85.5, p <0.001), when compared with other patients. CONCLUSION We demonstrated that DAA therapy can achieve a 98.7% SVR rate among CHC patients in Pingtung county of southern Taiwan, with a relative higher prevalence of genotype 6. The most important factor attributed to genotype 6 infection was PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyng-Yuan Jang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pingtung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ping-Tung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Po-Cheng Liang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ta-Wei Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Ju Wei
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Lun Yeh
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Center for Cancer Research and Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Cheng-Ting Hsu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Po-Yao Hsu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Hung Lin
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Meng-Hsuan Hsieh
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Health Management Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Hepatobiliary Laboratory, Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ching-I Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chung-Feng Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Center for Cancer Research and Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Zu-Yau Lin
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Center for Cancer Research and Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shinn-Cherng Chen
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Center for Cancer Research and Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jee-Fu Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Center for Cancer Research and Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chia-Yen Dai
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Center for Cancer Research and Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Center for Cancer Research and Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Center For Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-devices (IDSB) and Department of Biological Science and Technology, College of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan, ROC
- Center for Lipid Science and Aging Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wan-Long Chuang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Center for Cancer Research and Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
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Chen JH, Wu PN, Huang SC, Hsu PJ, Hsu JC. A real-world observational study of drug utilization and clinical outcomes of direct-acting antivirals and interferon therapy for hepatitis C treatment in Taiwan. Curr Med Res Opin 2021; 37:245-252. [PMID: 33251875 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2020.1857716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this study, we investigated the use of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), medical expenses and clinical outcomes since the initiation of national health insurance coverage in Taiwan. METHODS This was a retrospective observational study. We obtained claims data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database in 2017. Patients diagnosed with hepatitis C with at least two physician visits or one hospitalization were included in the study. Cases were divided into three groups based on the treatment type: traditional treatment (interferon, INF), new drug treatment (DAA) and INF-experienced (INF followed by DAA). We compared the distributions of various cases based on individual demographic variables, hospital type and comorbidities. Trends in medical expenses by treatment type were estimated. We also analyzed clinical outcomes, including rehospitalization and liver function disorders, using a survival analysis method. RESULTS Among patients with hepatitis C, the DAA group had a significantly higher proportion of females, a higher mean age and greater disease severity than the INF group. The growth rate of medical expenses was significantly lower in the DAA group. In addition, compared to the INF group, the DAA group and INF-experienced group had significantly lower rehospitalization rates, and the DAA group had a significantly lower risk of liver function disorders. Furthermore, the longer a patient received any form of treatment, the lower was their chance of rehospitalization and liver function disorders. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our results confirmed that insurance coverage of DAAs led to better clinical outcomes than INF, and this may reduce increases in medical expenses and the risks of rehospitalization and liver function disorders. WHAT IS KNOWN ON THIS TOPIC Interferon for hepatitis C has low efficacy with serious side effects, while the efficacy of new oral drugs (direct-acting antivirals, DAAs) is high. DAAs were approved for listing in Taiwan in December 2013, and they have been covered by National Health Insurance since January 2017. Little is known about DAA-related real-world evidence following the coverage of DAAs in Taiwan, including drug utilization, expenditures and safety. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS This study explored three important issues related to DAAs: drug utilization, medical expenses and clinical outcomes following the insurance coverage by using the National Health Insurance Database. Cases were divided into three groups based on the treatment type: traditional treatment (interferon, INF), new drug treatment (DAA) and INF-experienced (INF followed by DAA). After the adjustment of various personal and hospital factors, the DAA group and INF-experienced group had significantly lower rehospitalization rates, and the DAA group had a significantly lower risk of liver function disorders, compared to the interferon group. There was a lower chance of rehospitalization and lower liver function disorder rates with longer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Hung Chen
- National Health Insurance Administration - Southern Region, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ning Wu
- National Health Insurance Administration - Southern Region, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Sin-Chi Huang
- National Health Insurance Administration - Southern Region, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pao-Ju Hsu
- National Health Insurance Administration - Southern Region, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jason C Hsu
- International PhD Program in Biotech and Healthcare Management, College of Management, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Chiu HC, Chiu YC, Yang EH, Chang TT, Chien SC, Wu IC, Wu CH, Cheng PN. Effectiveness and safety of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for genotype 2 chronic hepatitis C infection: Real-world experience from Taiwan. J Formos Med Assoc 2020; 120:983-990. [PMID: 32891488 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2020.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Genotype 2 (GT2) hepatitis C virus infection is the second common genotype in Taiwan. Real-world experience of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) for GT2 infection is limited. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of LDV/SOF in patients with GT2 chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection. METHODS CHC patients with GT2 infection receiving 12 weeks LDV/SOF from three hospitals were enrolled. HCV RNA was checked at baseline, end-of-treatment and 12 weeks after completing treatment. Demographic data, adverse events, renal function and metabolic profiles were recorded. RESULTS Among 392 enrolled patients, 33 patients (8.4%) were cirrhotic. Sustained virological response (SVR) rate was 96.7% (379/392) by intention-to-treat analysis and 97.2% (379/390) by per-protocol analysis. The SVR rate was lower in cirrhotic patients than in non-cirrhotic patients (90.6% vs 97.8%, p = 0.053). Two cirrhotic patients who took LDV/SOF plus ribavirin both achieved SVR. Neither drug-related severe adverse events nor discontinuation due to drug-related adverse event were reported. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) remained stable in patients with chronic kidney disease 3a/3b. CONCLUSION Twelve weeks of LDV/SOF treatment provided an excellent and safe regimen for GT2 CHC infection, particularly in non-cirrhotic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Chih Chiu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Cheng Chiu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Er-Hsiang Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Tsung Chang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Chieh Chien
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - I-Chin Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hsien Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Nan Cheng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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