The epidemiology of HCV infection in patients with advanced CKD/ESRD: A global perspective

Personalized care approaches to hepatitis C therapy: recent advances and future directions

INTRODUCTION

The introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has significantly transformed the therapeutic landscape for chronic C hepatitis virus (HCV) infection. However, there is still room for further improvement in optimizing therapy efficacy and minimizing adverse effects.

AREAS COVERED

This review is devoted to the rationale for adopting a personalized approach to HCV therapy. Specifically, we explore the role of host-related factors, such as sex or the presence of comorbidities. We thoroughly examine the implications of commonly encountered comorbidities, including HIV infection, chronic renal disease, liver cirrhosis, and other chronic viral hepatitis infections. Additionally, we discuss the prevalent drug-to-drug interactions between DAAs and other medications, while providing guidance on their management. Finally, we investigate viral-related issues that can influence treatment outcomes, such as viral genotype, quasi-species, and the presence of resistance-associated mutations.

EXPERT OPINION

Despite pivotal trials demonstrating efficacy rates exceeding 90% for currently available DAA regimens, there are still opportunities to optimize therapy outcomes and tailor treatment to each patient. This can be achieved through a meticulous evaluation of the patient's specific clinical conditions and comorbidities, a vigilant approach to manage potential drug interactions, and diligent patient follow-up.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of HBV, HCV and HIV among hemodialysis patients: a multicenter cross-sectional study from Damascus Syria

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections among hemodialysis (HD) patients as well as to identify associated risk factors.

METHODOLOGY

A multicenter cross-sectional study involved patients who had been on HD for at least three months. The study was conducted at five HD centers in Damascus, Syria from August 2019 to September 2021. HBsAg, HCV-Ab and HIV (antibody/antigen) seropositivity were identified using the third generation ELISA technique. Patients' information was extracted from their records and by face-to-face interview. Multiple logistic regression models were applied to identify risk factors associated with HBV or HCV seropositivity. The significance level was set at 5%.

RESULTS

A total of 637 patients were included in the study with a mean age (SD) of 50.5 (15.6) years and 56.7% of them were men. The dialytic age ranged from one to thirty years with a mean (SD) of 6.10 (5.6) years. The prevalence of positive hepatitis B surface antigen, anti-HCV, co-infection of HBV and HCV, and anti-HIV (antibody/antigen) were 3.2%, 22.1%, 0.7%, and 0%, respectively. After controlling for co-variables, hepatitis B vaccine was the only predictor of seropositivity of HBV (OR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.057-0.393, P < 0.001), as it significantly protected against contracting HBV. On the other hand, the dialytic age (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.12-1.94, P = 0.032) and the dialysis center were significant factors affecting the prevalence of HCV.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of HCV and HBV infections among HD patients in Damascus, Syria has decreased remarkably compared with the results from 2001. Nevertheless, it is still considered relatively high. Thus, there is an urgent need to strengthen the prevention and control measures for viral infection transmission in HD centers in Damascus.

Measures to Contain the Transmission of Hepatitis C in a Chronic Kidney Care Hospital Unit in the Triângulo Mineiro in Brazil: A Case Study

Objectives: Hepatitis C virus elimination is complex. The objective was to analyze measures to eliminate virus transmission in a hemodialysis unit. Methods: Case study composed of multiple units of analysis. The scenario is the hemodialysis unit of a Brazilian public hospital. Population composed of health service records. Descriptive analyzes were performed and the beginning of the event was considered as the moment of increased incidence of HCV. The intentional and purposeful collection of information for understanding the event and implementing interventions. Results: The subunits of analysis were related to: clinical-epidemiological profile, active search, transmission routes, management protocol and results achieved. In August 2019, out of 45 patients, six were reactive for anti-HCV. All received treatment. Patients had exposure to contaminated medical equipment, objects or hands of professionals. Preventive measures were adopted and routine techniques were corrected. Situational Analysis Committee guided the management of the event. No new cases were detected. Conclusions: Strategies for the microelimination of the C virus in a dialysis environment are demonstrated and it shows the multidisciplinary efforts in conducting the event.

Micro-elimination of hepatitis C in patients with chronic kidney disease: an Egyptian single-center study

Background and aims

Micro-elimination of hepatitis C in renal patients is crucial. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of directly acting antivirals in chronic kidney disease patients and the effect of treatment on kidney functions.

Results

This prospective cohort study included 77 chronic HCV-infected patients with chronic kidney disease. Patients were consented and treated for 12 weeks with either sofosbuvir and daclatasvir ± ribavirin if glomerular filtration rate was > 30 mL/min per 1.73m2 or ritonavir-boosted paritaprevir-ombitasvir-ribavirin if it was < 30 mL/min per 1.73m2. Patients were divided into two categories (responders versus non-responders). Predictors of response to treatment were statistically analyzed through logistic regression analysis. Sixty-two patients received ritonavir-boosted paritaprevir-ombitasvir-ribavirin, 3 received sofosbuvir and daclatasvir, and 12 received sofosbuvir and daclatasvir plus ribavirin. Most patients were on hemodialysis (n = 36) while 31 were stage 3 kidney disease. All patients completed their treatment course; ribavirin doses were adjusted or stopped in patients who developed anemia (40%). Seventy-two patients (93.5%) achieved sustained virological response 12 weeks following end-of-treatment. Five patients (6.5%) were non-responders, 4 of whom were on hemodialysis (p = 0.179). All non-responders were on ritonavir-boosted paritaprevir-ombitasvir-ribavirin. The mean serum creatinine level at weeks 4 and 8 of treatment demonstrated significant improvement compared to pretreatment values (p < 0.001) in patients on conservative therapy.

Conclusion

Treatment of chronic kidney disease patients for chronic hepatitis C with directly acting antivirals is safe, efficacious with high response rates and likely to improve renal functions if started early in the course of kidney disease.

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.

Prevalence and genotype distribution of hepatitis C virus within hemodialysis units in Thailand: role of HCV core antigen in the assessment of viremia

Background

Individuals with end-stage renal disease have a higher risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) acquisition during long-term hemodialysis (HD). Our report was designed to investigate HCV prevalence and genotype, in addition to the clinical use of HCV core antigen (HCVcAg), within multiple HD facilities in Thailand.

Methods

This cross‐sectional report was investigated between January and June 2019. HCV infection was assessed by anti-HCV and confirmed active infection by measuring HCV RNA and HCVcAg. HCV genotype was determined by phylogenetic analysis using nucleotide sequences of NS5B region.

Results

Overall, 140 of 3,305 (4.2%) patients in 15 dialysis centers had anti-HCV positive. Among them, HCV RNA was further assessed in 93 patients and was detectable in 59 (63.4%) persons. Considering HCV viremia, HCVcAg measurement exhibited high accuracy (96.8%), sensitivity (94.9%) and specificity (100%) in comparison with HCV RNA testing. Moreover, individuals infected with HCV received a longer duration of dialysis vintage when compared to anti-HCV negative controls. The major sub-genotypes were 1a, 1b, 3a, 3b, 6f and 6n. Regarding phylogenetic analysis, there were 7 clusters of isolates with high sequence homology affecting 17 individuals, indicating possible HCV transmission within the same HD centers.

Conclusions

HCV frequency and common sub-genotypes in HD centers were different from those found in the Thai general population. HCVcAg might be an alternate testing for viremia within resource-limited countries. Enhanced preventive practices, dialyzer reuse policy and better access to antiviral therapy are crucial for HCV micro-elimination within HD facilities.

An Update on Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Chronic Kidney Disease

Simple Summary

Chronic kidney disease is a major public health issue globally and the risk of hepatocellular cancer appears greater in patients with chronic kidney disease compared with the general population. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a liver disorder ranging from simple fatty infiltration to advanced fibrosis plus inflammation; it plays a role in developing liver-related and extra liver-related diseases including HCC and CKD, respectively. Approximately 90% of HCCs are associated with a known underlying etiology; viral hepatitis is a well-known cause of HCC, particularly in CKD population. Antiviral therapy of HBV and HCV is important in the management of HCC in CKD patients. Therapy of HCC in CKD patients includes liver transplant (in selected patients), local approach (surgery or interventional radiology), and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (advanced HCC).

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease is a major public health issue globally and the risk of cancer (including HCC) is greater in patients on long-term dialysis and kidney transplant compared with the general population. According to an international study on 831,804 patients on long-term dialysis, the standardized incidence ratio for liver cancer was 1.2 (95% CI, 1.0–1.4) and 1.5 (95% CI, 1.3–1.7) in European and USA cohorts, respectively. It appears that important predictors of HCC in dialysis population are hepatotropic viruses (HBV and HCV) and cirrhosis. 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates are lower in HCC patients on long-term dialysis than those with HCC and intact kidneys. NAFLD is a metabolic disease with increasing prevalence worldwide and recent evidence shows that it is an important cause of liver-related and extra liver-related diseases (including HCC and CKD, respectively). Some longitudinal studies have shown that patients with chronic hepatitis B are aging and the frequency of comorbidities (such as HCC and CKD) is increasing over time in these patients; it has been suggested to connect these patients to an appropriate care earlier. Antiviral therapy of HBV and HCV plays a pivotal role in the management of HCC in CKD and some combinations of DAAs (elbasvir/grazoprevir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, sofosbuvir-based regimens) are now available for HCV positive patients and advanced chronic kidney disease. The interventional management of HCC includes liver resection. Some ablative techniques have been suggested for HCC in CKD patients who are not appropriate candidates to surgery. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization has been proposed for HCC in patients who are not candidates to liver surgery due to comorbidities. The gold standard for early-stage HCC in patients with chronic liver disease and/or cirrhosis is still liver transplant.

Impact of HCV infection and ethnicity on incident type 2 diabetes: findings from a large population-based cohort in British Columbia

INTRODUCTION

Increasing evidence indicates that chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with higher risk of diabetes. Previous studies showed ethnic disparities in the disease burden of diabetes, with increased risk in Asian population. We described the incidence of type 2 diabetes related to HCV infection and assessed the concurrent impact of HCV infection and ethnicity on the risk of diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In British Columbia Hepatitis Testers Cohort, individuals were followed from HCV diagnosis to the earliest of (1) incident type 2 diabetes, (2) death or (3) end of the study (December 31, 2015). Study population included 847 021 people. Diabetes incidence rates in people with and without HCV were computed. Propensity scores (PS) analysis was used to assess the impact of HCV infection on newly acquired diabetes. PS-matched dataset included 117 184 people. We used Fine and Gray multivariable subdistributional hazards models to assess the effect of HCV and ethnicity on diabetes while adjusting for confounders and competing risks.

RESULTS

Diabetes incidence rates were higher among people with HCV infection than those without. The highest diabetes incidence rate was in South Asians with HCV (14.7/1000 person-years, 95% CI 12.87 to 16.78). Compared with Others, South Asians with and without HCV and East Asians with HCV had a greater risk of diabetes. In the multivariable stratified analysis, HCV infection was associated with increased diabetes risk in all subgroups: East Asians, adjusted HR (aHR) 3.07 (95% CI 2.43 to 3.88); South Asians, aHR 2.62 (95% CI 2.10 to 3.26); and Others, aHR 2.28 (95% CI 2.15 to 2.42).

CONCLUSIONS

In a large population-based linked administrative health data, HCV infection was associated with higher diabetes risk, with a greater relative impact in East Asians. South Asians had the highest risk of diabetes. These findings highlight the need for care and screening for HCV-related chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes among people affected by HCV.

Hepatitis B and C Infections in Patients With Prolonged Hemodialysis Secondary to Chronic Renal Failure

Objective

To determine the frequency of hepatitis B and C in patients with prolonged hemodialysis suffering from chronic renal failure.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted from January to August 2017 at Tabba Kidney Institute, Karachi. A total of 255 patients on hemodialysis were included in the study by using convenient sampling technique. All the relevant data such as gender, age, duration of hemodialysis and presence of hepatitis B and C were recorded. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) while binary logistic regression was applied to develop a risk assessment model for the study outcomes.

Results

The study results showed that 134 (52.5%) patients were on hemodialysis for five years or more, 173 (67.8%) of them suffered from hepatitis B while 124 (48.6%) of them suffered from hepatitis C. The study results further revealed that after controlling for the effects of age and gender, the duration of hemodialysis was significantly associated with both hepatitis B (AOR 1.917, 95% CI 1.111-3.306, p=0.019) and hepatitis C (AOR 2.323, 95% CI 1.395-3.870, p=0.001) among the patients studied.

Conclusion

The study concluded that longer duration of hemodialysis in patients with chronic renal failure was significantly associated with both hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections in the study population. A myriad of patient and environmental factors can contribute to this finding in patients with chronic renal insufficiency. Therefore, periodic monitoring of liver function tests and routine surveillance for viral hepatitis can help establish an early diagnosis of infection, potentially improving patient outcomes improving patient outcome.

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus in hemodialysis patients in Pakistan: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the most common bloodborne viral infections reported in Pakistan. Frequent dialysis treatment of hemodialysis patients exposes them to a high risk of HCV infection. The main purpose of this paper is to quantify the prevalence of HCV in hemodialysis patients through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, Pakistani Journals Online and Web of Science to identify studies published between 1 January 1995 and 30 October 2019, reporting on the prevalence of HCV infection in hemodialysis patients. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to obtain pooled estimates. A funnel plot was used in conjunction with Egger’s regression test for asymmetry and to assess publication bias. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were used to identify potential sources of heterogeneity among the included studies. This review was registered on PROSPERO (registration number CRD42019159345).

Results

Out of 248 potential studies, 19 studies involving 3446 hemodialysis patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of HCV in hemodialysis patients in Pakistan was 32.33% (95% CI: 25.73–39.30; I² = 94.3%, p < 0.01). The subgroup analysis showed that the prevalence of HCV among hemodialysis patients in Punjab was significantly higher (37.52%; 95% CI: 26.66–49.03; I² = 94.5, p < 0.01) than 34.42% (95% CI: 14.95–57.05; I² = 91.3%, p < 0.01) in Baluchistan, 27.11% (95% CI: 15.81–40.12; I² = 94.5, p < 0.01) in Sindh and 22.61% (95% CI: 17.45–28.2; I² = 78.6, p < 0.0117) in Khyber Pukhtoonkhuwa.

Conclusions

In this study, we found a high prevalence (32.33%) of HCV infection in hemodialysis patients in Pakistan. Clinically, hemodialysis patients require more attention and resources than the general population. Preventive interventions are urgently needed to decrease the high risk of HCV infection in hemodialysis patients in Pakistan.