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Shetty A, Lee M, Valenzuela J, Saab S. Cost effectiveness of hepatitis C direct acting agents. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2024; 24:589-597. [PMID: 38665122 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2024.2348053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Introduction of direct acting antivirals (DAA) has transformed treatment of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) and made the elimination of HCV an achievable goal set forward by World Health Organization by 2030. Multiple barriers need to be overcome for successful eradication of HCV. Availability of pan-genotypic HCV regimens has decreased the need for genotype testing but maintained high efficacy associated with DAAs. AREAS COVERED In this review, we will assess the cost-effectiveness of DAA treatment in patients with chronic HCV disease, with emphasis on general, cirrhosis, and vulnerable populations. EXPERT OPINION Multiple barriers exist limiting eradication of HCV, including cost to treatment, access, simplified testing, and implementing policy to foster treatment for all groups of HCV patients. Clinically, DAAs have drastically changed the landscape of HCV, but focused targeting of vulnerable groups is needed. Public policy will continue to play a strong role in eliminating HCV. While we will focus on the cost-effectiveness of DAA, several other factors regarding HCV require on going attention, such as increasing public awareness and decreasing social stigma associated with HCV, offering universal screening followed by linkage to treatment and improving preventive interventions to decrease spread of HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshay Shetty
- Department of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michelle Lee
- Department of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Julia Valenzuela
- Department of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sammy Saab
- Department of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Kam LY, Yeo YH, Ji F, Henry L, Cheung R, Nguyen MH. Treatment rates and factors associated with direct-acting antiviral therapy for insured patients with hepatitis C-related hepatocellular carcinoma - A real-world nationwide study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2024; 59:350-360. [PMID: 37937485 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the inception of the interferon-free direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, guidelines as to who should receive this potentially curative treatment have evolved. Treatment with DAAs is now considered for all patients except for those considered moribund. AIM To determine the DAA treatment rate for patients with HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS This was a retrospective study from January 2015 to March 2021 of a national sample of privately insured patients with HCV-related HCC using Optum's Clinformatics® Data Mart (CDM) Database - a large, de-identified, adjudicated claims database. RESULTS We identified 3922 patients with HCV-related HCC: 922 (23.5%) received DAA. Compared to untreated patients, DAA-treated patients were younger (65.2 ± 7.5 vs. 66.4 ± 7.5 years, p < 0.001), more frequently saw a gastroenterology/infectious disease (GI/ID) physician (41.2% vs. 34.2%), and had decompensated cirrhosis (56% vs. 53%, p = 0.001). In multivariable analysis, younger age (HR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97-0.99, p < 0.001), GI/ID care (HR: 3.06, 95% CI: 2.13-4.51, p < 0.001), and having cirrhosis (compensated: HR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.18-2.21, p = 0.003; decompensated: HR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.07-1.98, p = 0.02) were associated with receiving DAA treatment, but not sex, race, or ethnicity. DAA-treated patients had significantly higher 5-year survival than untreated patients (47.2% vs. 35.2%, p < 0.001). Following adjustment for age, sex, race/ethnicity, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and HCC treatment, receiving DAA treatment was associated with lower mortality (aHR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.53-0.69, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION DAA treatment remains underutilised in insured patients with HCV-related HCC; fewer than one in four patients received treatment. Seeing a specialist and having decompensated cirrhosis were predictors for DAA treatment; additional efforts are needed to increase awareness of HCV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Y Kam
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Yee Hui Yeo
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Fanpu Ji
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Linda Henry
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Ramsey Cheung
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Mindie H Nguyen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
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Saracco GM, Marzano A, Rizzetto M. Therapy of Chronic Viral Hepatitis: The Light at the End of the Tunnel? Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030534. [PMID: 35327336 PMCID: PMC8945793 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic viral hepatitis determines significant morbidity and mortality globally and is caused by three main etiological actors (Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, and Hepatitis D Virus) with different replicative cycles and biological behaviors. Thus, therapies change according to the different characteristics of the viruses. In chronic hepatitis B, long term suppressive treatments with nucleoside/nucleotide analogues have had a dramatic impact on the evolution of liver disease and liver-related complications. However, a conclusive clearance of the virus is difficult to obtain; new strategies that are able to eradicate the infection are currently objects of research. The therapy for Hepatitis D Virus infection is challenging due to the unique virology of the virus, which uses the synthetic machinery of the infected hepatocyte for its own replication and cannot be targeted by conventional antivirals that are active against virus-coded proteins. Recently introduced antivirals, such as bulevertide and lonafarnib, display definite but only partial efficacy in reducing serum HDV-RNA. However, in combination with pegylated interferon, they provide a synergistic therapeutic effect and appear to represent the current best therapy for HDV-positive patients. With the advent of Direct Acting Antiviral Agents (DAAs), a dramatic breakthrough has occurred in the therapeutic scenario of chronic hepatitis C. Cure of HCV infection is achieved in more than 95% of treated patients, irrespective of their baseline liver fibrosis status. Potentially, the goal of global HCV elimination by 2030 as endorsed by the World Health Organization can be obtained if more global subsidised supplies of DAAs are provided.
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Liu CH, Chen CY, Su WW, Tseng KC, Lo CC, Liu CJ, Chen JJ, Peng CY, Shih YL, Yang SS, Huang CS, Huang KJ, Chang CY, Tsai MC, Kao WY, Fang YJ, Chen PY, Su PY, Tseng CW, Huang JJ, Lee PL, Lai HC, Hsieh TY, Chang CH, Huang YJ, Lee FJ, Chang CC, Kao JH. Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir with or without low-dose ribavirin for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection and severe renal impairment. Gut 2022; 71:176-184. [PMID: 33408122 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-323569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Data regarding the real-world effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) with or without low-dose ribavirin (RBV) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and severe renal impairment (RI) are limited. We evaluated the performance of SOF/VEL with or without low-dose RBV in HCV-infected patients with chronic kidney disease stage 4 or 5. DESIGN 191 patients with compensated (n=181) and decompensated (n=10) liver diseases receiving SOF/VEL (400/100 mg/day) alone and SOF/VEL with low-dose RBV (200 mg/day) for 12 weeks were retrospectively recruited at 15 academic centres in Taiwan. The effectiveness was determined by sustained virological response at off-treatment week 12 (SVR12) in evaluable (EP) and per-protocol populations (PP). The safety profiles were assessed. RESULTS The SVR12 rates by EP and PP analyses were 94.8% (95% CI 90.6% to 97.1%) and 100% (95% CI 97.9% to 100%). In patients with compensated liver disease, the SVR12 rates were 95.0% and 100% by EP and PP analyses. In patients with decompensated liver disease, the SVR12 rates were 90.0% and 100% by EP and PP analyses. Ten patients who failed to achieve SVR12 were attributed to non-virological failures. Among the 20 serious adverse events (AEs), none were judged related to SOF/VEL or RBV. The AEs occurring in ≥10% included fatigue (14.7%), headache (14.1%), nausea (12.6%), insomnia (12.0%) and pruritus (10.5%). None had ≥grade 3 total bilirubin or alanine aminotransferase elevations. CONCLUSION SOF/VEL with or without low-dose RBV is effective and well-tolerated in HCV-infected patients with severe RI.
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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.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Yi Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Wen Su
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chih Tseng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Chiayi, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Tzuchi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chu Lo
- Department of Internal Medicine, St. Martin De Porres Hospital, Daya, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Jou Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yuan Peng
- Center for Digestive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Lueng Shih
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Shun Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Sheng Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yang Ming Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Ke-Jhang Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Beigang Hospital, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Yang Chang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chang Tsai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Yu Kao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yo-Jen Fang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Po-Yueh Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Yuan Su
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Tseng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Chiayi, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Tzuchi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Jow-Jyh Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, St. Martin De Porres Hospital, Daya, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Lun Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Chou Lai
- Center for Digestive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Yuan Hsieh
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hsin Chang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jie Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Jen Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chao Chang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 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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5
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Liu CH, Chen CY, Su WW, Liu CJ, Lo CC, Huang KJ, Chen JJ, Tseng KC, Chang CY, Peng CY, Shih YL, Huang CS, Kao WY, Yang SS, Tsai MC, Wu JH, Chen PY, Su PY, Hwang JJ, Fang YJ, Lee PL, Tseng CW, Lee FJ, Lai HC, Hsieh TY, Chang CC, Chang CH, Huang YJ, Kao JH. Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir plus ribavirin for Child-Pugh B and Child-Pugh C hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis. Clin Mol Hepatol 2021; 27:575-588. [PMID: 34255961 PMCID: PMC8524072 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2021.0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Real-world studies assessing the effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) plus ribavirin (RBV) for Child-Pugh B/C hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis are limited. METHODS We included 107 patients with Child-Pugh B/C HCV-related cirrhosis receiving SOF/VEL plus RBV for 12 weeks in Taiwan. The sustained virologic response rates at off-treatment week 12 (SVR12) for the evaluable population (EP), modified EP, and per-protocol population (PP) were assessed. Thesafety profiles were reported. RESULTS The SVR12 rates in the EP, modified EP and PP were 89.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 82.5-94.2%), 94.1% (95% CI, 87.8-97.3%), and 100% (95% CI, 96.2-100%). Number of patients who failed to achieve SVR12 were attributed to virologic failures. The SVR12 rates were comparable regardless of patient characteristics. One patient discontinued treatment because of adverse events (AEs). Twenty-four patients had serious AEs and six died, but none were related to SOF/VEL or RBV. Among the 96 patients achieving SVR12, 84.4% and 64.6% had improved Child-Pugh and model for endstage liver disease (MELD) scores. Multivariate analysis revealed that a baseline MELD score ≥15 was associated with an improved MELD score of ≥3 (odds ratio, 4.13; 95% CI, 1.16-14.71; P=0.02). Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 1 had more significant estimated glomerular filtration rate declines than patients with CKD stage 2 (-0.42 mL/min/1.73 m2/month; P=0.01) or stage 3 (-0.56 mL/min/1.73 m2/month; P<0.001). CONCLUSION SOF/VEL plus RBV for 12 weeks is efficacious and well-tolerated for Child-Pugh B/C HCV-related cirrhosis.
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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
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Yi Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Wen Su
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chu Lo
- Department of Internal Medicine, St. Martin De Porres Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Ke-Jhang Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Beigang Hospital, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Jou Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chih Tseng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Chiayi, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Tzuchi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Yang Chang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yuan Peng
- Center for Digestive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Lueng Shih
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Sheng Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yang Ming Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Yu Kao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Taipei Medical University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Taipei Medical University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Shun Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chang Tsai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jo-Hsuan Wu
- Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Shiley Eye Institute and Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Po-Yueh Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Yuan Su
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Jow-Jyh Hwang
- Department of Internal Medicine, St. Martin De Porres Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jen Fang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Yun-Lin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Lun Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Wei Tseng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Chiayi, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Tzuchi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Jen Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Chou Lai
- Center for Digestive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Yuan Hsieh
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chao Chang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Taipei Medical University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Taipei Medical University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hsin Chang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jie Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, 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
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Solitano V, Plaz Torres MC, Pugliese N, Aghemo A. Management and Treatment of Hepatitis C: Are There Still Unsolved Problems and Unique Populations? Viruses 2021; 13:1048. [PMID: 34205966 PMCID: PMC8228389 DOI: 10.3390/v13061048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) have revolutionized the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, possibly leading to HCV elimination by 2030 as endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, some patients belonging to the so-called unique or special populations are referred to as difficult-to-treat due to unreached sustained virological response, potential drug side effects or interactions or co-morbidities. Several years after the DAA introduction and on the basis of excellent findings in terms of efficacy and safety, some doubts arise around the exact meaning of the special population designation and whether this group of patients actually exists. The aim of this review is to discuss and analyze current evidence on the management and treatment of the so-called "unique populations". We placed particular emphasis on patients with decompensated cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease (CKD), coinfections, rare genotypes, and previous treatment failure, in order to provide physicians with an updated overview of the actual problems and needs in the current scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Solitano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20082 Milan, Italy; (V.S.); (N.P.)
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Humanitas Research Hospital IRCCS, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy;
| | - Maria Corina Plaz Torres
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Humanitas Research Hospital IRCCS, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy;
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, IRCCS-Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Nicola Pugliese
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20082 Milan, Italy; (V.S.); (N.P.)
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Humanitas Research Hospital IRCCS, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy;
| | - Alessio Aghemo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, 20082 Milan, Italy; (V.S.); (N.P.)
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Humanitas Research Hospital IRCCS, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, Italy;
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