Recent advances on hepatitis C virus in dialysis population

Effects of comorbid conditions and prescribed chronic medications on the treatment plan for chronic hepatitis C infection: A cross-sectional retrospective study

Background

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by various complications, including end-stage liver disease and cirrhosis. The mortality rate associated with CHC has been increasing due to the presence of comorbidities and the use of chronic medications. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the impact of these comorbidities and chronic medications on the treatment plan for CHC.

Methods

To achieve this objective, a cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The study population included patients aged 12 years and above who were diagnosed with CHC between 2016 and 2021. Patients below the age of 12 were excluded from the study. A total of 170 patients with CHC were included in the analysis. The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between CHC complications and the treatment approach.

Results

The mean age of the study participants was 66.78 years, with a higher proportion of female patients. The findings revealed a significant association between hypertension (p = 0.042) and cirrhosis (p = 0.007) with changes in the treatment plan for CHC. Moreover, the presence of diabetes mellitus (p = 0.045), renal diseases (p < 0.001), and hypothyroidism (p = 0.004) were significantly associated with HCV clearance after the initiation of therapy. Additionally, the use of proton pump inhibitors (p = 0.033) and levothyroxine (p = 0.025) was found to be associated with a higher rate of CHC clearance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the prevalence of comorbid conditions and the use of chronic medications among patients with CHC. The findings emphasize the importance of considering the effects of comorbidities and chronic medications when developing treatment plans for CHC infections. By taking these factors into account, healthcare professionals can optimize the management of CHC and improve patient outcomes.

Study the response of Qurevo (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir) in end-stage renal disease patients with hepatitis C virus

Background

Out of the 185 million people infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) worldwide according to the World Health Organization (WHO), Egypt had the highest prevalence of HCV reaching 13% of its population with an estimated number of 12 million people. The prevalence of HCV infection among hemodialysis (HD) patients ranged from 6 to 60%. HD patients have an increased overall mortality risk if they have chronic HCV when compared to those without HCV infection. Treatment of HCV with the new direct-acting antiviral agent (DAA) therapy Qurevo “ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir” with ribavirin in ESRD was approved in many countries compared to traditional HCV treatment that faced restrictions in the setting of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Aim of the study

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Qurevo/ribavirin regimen in HCV-infected HD patients.

Patients and methods

A prospective cohort study evaluated the outcome of 12-week ombitasvir (NS5A inhibitor)/paritaprevir (NS3/4A protease inhibitor)/ritonavir with ribavirin combination therapy for 50 HCV-infected HD patients, over a period of 15 months from December 2016 to February 2018. The primary endpoint was sustained virologic response 12 weeks after therapy (SVR12) and after 24 weeks of therapy (SVR24).

Results

The SVR12 rate was 96% (48/50); 2 patients (4%) were non-responders to treatment at SVR12, and another 2 (4%) were relapsers after SVR12. As regards the adverse events, the most frequent were fatigue/asthenia in 44 patients (88%) and worsening anemia (Hb dropped to < 10 g/dl) in 42 patients (84%). GIT upset occurred in 10 patients (20%), sleep disorders in 8 patients (16%), decreased appetite in 8 patients (16%), respiratory distress in 6 patients (12%), headache and dizziness in 6 patients (12%), and muscle spasms in 4 patients (8%). Itching (pruritus) occurred in 3 patients (6%). Death occurred in 4 patients (8%) after SVR24 most probably not due to DAA but may be due to myocardial infarction, pulmonary edema, severe hypotension on hemodialysis sessions, and shock due to blood loss in retroperitoneal hematoma following peritoneal dialysis not related to DAA therapy. Hepatic decompensation, hypersensitivity (angioedema), teratogenicity, and drug interactions did not occur in any patient (0%). Other events occurred in 11 patients (22%). They were parenchymal liver changes in ultrasound at the end of therapy after being normal before therapy (in 3 patients), thrombocytopenia, increased alkaline phosphatase, hiccough, deterioration of hypertension, urinary tract infection, lower limb cellulitis, vaginal bleeding, and chest infection (in 1 patient each). SVR12 was achieved in 100% of patients who had to stop or modify the ribavirin dose; this means that ribavirin absence did not affect the SVR in these patients.

Conclusion

Our results confirm the efficacy of Qurevo “ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir” with ribavirin combination therapy in ESRD patients (on regular hemodialysis) with HCV infection with anemia as the most frequent adverse event.

Glecaprevir-pibrentasvir for chronic hepatitis C: Comparing treatment effect in patients with and without end-stage renal disease in a real-world setting

Introduction

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is increasingly observed in patients with renal disease. With the introduction of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) as a pan-genotype therapy for HCV, treatment efficacy is expected to rise.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study evaluated the efficacy and safety of GLE/PIB treatment in adults with HCV infection and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The primary end point was sustained virological response (SVR) observed 12 weeks after completed treatment.

Results

We enrolled 235 patients, including 44 patients with ESRD. Median age was 60 years, and 48% were males. Twenty-two percent had cirrhosis. HCV genotypes 1 (43%) and 2 (41%) were the most common. The overall SVR rate was 96.6%. Patients with ESRD were older than those without (67.6 years vs 58.3 years, p < 0.001) and trended toward having a higher prevalence of cirrhosis (32% vs 19%, p = 0.071). A significant proportion of patients with ESRD complained of skin itching during treatment (61% vs 26%, p < 0.001), and the SVR rate were similar between these two groups (95.45% vs 96.86%, p = 0.644).

Conclusions

Despite a higher rate of pruritus among patients with ESRD, GLE/PIB-based therapy achieved similarly high SVR rates among patients with and without ESRD.

Infection with hepatitis C virus in hemodialysis patients: An overview of the diagnosis and prevention rules within a hemodialysis center (Review)

Increase in the number of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) calls for improved management of these patients. In stage 5 CKD, when the initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT) becomes necessary, there is an increase in the infection risk of the patients and immunological tests for hepatitis C virus (HCV) detection turn positive at an alarmingly higher rate compared to general population. With the introduction into clinical practice of diagnostic tests, the increased prevalence of HCV among CKD patients has been known since the 1990s. Also, the negative impacts of HCV infection on CKD evolution as well as the unfavorable evolution of grafts received by HCV infected patients are known. Chronic hemodialysis patients are a category of patients whose risk of HCV infection is substantial. Currently, in the hemodialysis centers, at the base of the transmission of HCV infection there are a multitude of factors. Infection with HCV has a different impact on patient with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Comorbidities in this case have significant sources of mortality and morbidity. It was proven that the post transplantations problems were prevented and mortality was reduced for patients who were diagnosed with HCV and in whom the infection was treated before the kidney transplant (KT). Consequently, early detection of the infection and the application of specific treatment has a considerable impact on the outcome of the patients. Another important component of the management of HCV infection in the chronic hemodialysis patients is the prevention of the infection transmission by applying specific methods.

Prevalence, mortality and healthcare utilization among Medicare beneficiaries with Hepatitis C in Haemodialysis units

Hepatitis C (HCV) is more common among patients with end-stage renal disease requiring haemodialysis compared to the general population. Thus, we aimed to assess trends in prevalence, health resource utilization and mortality among Medicare beneficiaries with HCV on haemodialysis. This is a retrospective study of outpatient and inpatient claims for Medicare beneficiaries receiving haemodialysis (2005-2016). A total of 291 663 subjects on haemodialysis were included (67.3 ± 15.2 years, 55% male, 55% white, 49% age-based eligibility). The prevalence of HCV in subjects on haemodialysis was stable and was significantly higher (mean 4.2% in 2005-2016, P = 0.50 for the trend) than in subjects not on haemodialysis (<1%). In multivariate analysis, liver cirrhosis (odds ratio = 3.4 (95% CI = 3.3-3.6)) was an independent predictor of 1-year mortality among haemodialysis patients. Mean total inpatient payments in dialysis patients with HCV remained stable during 2005 ($73 803) through 2016 ($72 133) (trend P = 0.54) while mean total outpatient payment decreased from 2005 ($53 497) to 2016 ($35 439; trend P = 0.0013). In multivariate analysis, after adjustment for age, gender, race and location, both HCV and cirrhosis remained significant contributors to greater spending [HCV: inpatient +22.1% (+19.2%-25%), HCV: outpatient +18.4% (+14.6%-22.2%), cirrhosis: inpatient +59.7% (+56.9%-62.6%), cirrhosis: outpatient +9.4% (+6.2%-12.6%)]. In conclusion, HCV-infected Medicare patients receiving haemodialysis incur greater resource utilization; mortality is higher in patients with cirrhosis only. Although HCV prevalence in Medicare haemodialysis recipients is higher than in patients without haemodialysis, these rates are lower than reported, suggesting potential under-screening for HCV in this high-risk population.

Changing concepts of HIV infection and renal disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) was identified as the major renal manifestation of HIV infection early in the HIV epidemic. However, HIV infection now is associated with a different spectrum of renal lesions leading to chronic kidney disease. This review examines the changes in kidney injury occurring in the current HIV era and the factors involved in this transformation of disease expression.

RECENT FINDINGS

The incidence of HIVAN and opportunistic infections in HIV-infected individuals has declined in concert with the use of effective combination antiretroviral agents. Chronic kidney disease has become more prevalent as patients infected with HIV are living longer and developing non-HIV-associated diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Additionally, noncollapsing focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis, co-infection with hepatitis C, HIV-associated immune complex kidney disease, HIV-related accelerated aging, and antiretroviral therapies contribute to progressive loss of renal function.

SUMMARY

HIV infection is now associated with a variety of renal lesions causing chronic kidney disease, not all of which are virally induced. It is important to determine the cause of renal functional decline in an HIV-infected patient, as this will impact patient management and prognosis.

Opportunities for treatment of the hepatitis C virus-infected patient with chronic kidney disease

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection amongst patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease exceeds that of the general population. In addition to predisposing to the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, infection with HCV has been associated with extra-hepatic complications including CKD, proteinuria, glomerulonephritis, cryoglobulinemia, increased cardiovascular risk, insulin resistance, and lymphoma. With these associated morbidities, infection with HCV is not unexpectedly accompanied by an increase in mortality in the general population as well as in patients with kidney disease. Advances in the understanding of the HCV genome have resulted in the development of direct-acting antiviral agents that can achieve much higher sustained virologic response rates than previous interferon-based protocols. The direct acting antivirals have either primarily hepatic or renal metabolism and excretion pathways. This information is particularly relevant when considering treatment in patients with reduced kidney function. In this context, some of these agents are not recommended for use in patients with a glomerular filtration rate < 30 mL/min per 1.73 m². There are now Food and Drug Administration approved direct acting antiviral agents for the treatment of patients with kidney disease and reduced function. These agents have been demonstrated to be effective with sustained viral response rates comparable to the general population with good safety profiles. A disease that was only recently considered to be very challenging to treat in patients with kidney dysfunction is now curable with these medications.

Sofosbuvir Use in the Setting of End-stage Renal Disease: A Single Center Experience

Background and Aims: Patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who are dialysis-dependent form a unique group, in which safety, tolerability and efficacy of sofosbuvir (SOF)-based direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) need further evaluation. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 14 patients with CHC and ESRD on dialysis who received 15 courses of SOF-based therapy. We evaluated dose escalation to standard-dose SOF in this proof-of-principle experience. Results: Sustained virological response (defined as undetectable viral load at 12 weeks, SVR-12) was achieved in 13 out of the 15 (86.7%) treatment courses. Seven (46.6%) patients received reduced half dose as conservative proof-of-principal to mitigate potential toxicity. In 13 out of 15 treatment courses, patients completed the designated treatment duration. One patient was treated twice and developed SVR-12 with the retreatment. One patient was lost to follow-up and counted as a non-responder. Premature discontinuations were not due to DAA-related adverse effects. There were no reports of severe adverse effects or drug interactions. Conclusion: We treated CHC patients with ESRD using dose escalation to standard-dose SOF in this proof-of-principle experience and achieved SVR rates comparable to general population.

Hepatitis C virus infection in maintenance hemodialysis patients: recommendations for diagnostics and treatment

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is highly prevalent among patients treated with maintenance hemodialysis and is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. It is necessary to determine the HCV genotype and the viral load to monitor the clinical and laboratory features and to establish an optimal antiviral treatment strategy. Antiviral treatments are presented with a standard interferon-based regimen and new direct-acting antiviral agents. The advent of direct-acting antivirals has improved the efficacy and safety of HCV treatment for most patients, even in difficult-to-treat populations such as patients on hemodialysis. HCV treatment with direct-acting antivirals in hemodialysis patients is highly effective, with viral eradication rates similar to those seen in patients without chronic kidney disease and with acceptable adverse event profiles.

Treatment of HCV in Renal Disease: Subtle Management Considerations in the Era of Direct-acting Antivirals

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is burdensome in patients with chronic kidney disease and contributes to substantial liver-related and all-cause morbidity and mortality. HCV infection itself may cause kidney dysfunction, as exemplified through mixed cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. HCV is more prevalent in patients with significant kidney disease compared to the general population, and recent reports have shown inadvertent HCV transmission in U.S. hemodialysis centers. Further, HCV has been demonstrated to accelerate kidney dysfunction and is associated with worse clinical outcomes in patients with kidney disease. As such, the HCV-infected population with concurrent kidney disease is an important patient subgroup that warrants focused medical care and attention. With the advent of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), the successful treatment of HCV is now a medical reality for many patients. Nuances in regimen selection and timing need to be considered when treating those with kidney dysfunction, particularly for those considering kidney transplantation.

Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Chronic Kidney Disease

Soon after the hepatitis C virus (HCV) was identified in 1989, it was recognized that the prevalence of infection in patients with ESRD far exceeded that in the general population. Infection with HCV predisposes to the hepatic complications of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, important extrahepatic manifestations include immune complex glomerular disease, accelerated progression of CKD, increases in cardiovascular event risk, and lymphoproliferative disorders. Advances in understanding the molecular biology of HCV have ushered in a new era in the treatment of this infection. Second generation direct-acting antiviral agents have revolutionized therapy, with sustained virologic response rates (undetectable viral load 12 weeks after completing therapy) of >90% in most patients. Studies using direct-acting antivirals in patients with CKD and those on dialysis are showing excellent safety and efficacy as well. In this context, it is imperative that nephrologists become familiar with this literature, reviewed here, so that the important decisions, including which patients should be treated and the optimal timing to initiate therapy, are vetted in association with the compounding issues of CKD, ESRD, and kidney transplantation.

Interferon-Based Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Infection Reduces All-Cause Mortality in Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease: An 8-Year Nationwide Cohort Study in Taiwan

The long-term survival of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who received interferon treatment has not been extensively evaluated.The HCV cohort was the ESRD patients with de novo HCV infection from 2004 to 2011; they were classified into treated and untreated groups according to interferon therapy records. Patients aged <20 years and those with a history of hepatitis B, kidney transplantation, or cancer were excluded. The control cohort included ESRD patients without HCV infection matched 4:1 to the HCV cohort by age, sex, and year of ESRD registration. We followed up all study participants until kidney transplantation, death, or the end of 2011, whichever came first. We assessed risk of all-cause mortality by using the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model with time-dependent covariate.In the HCV cohort, 134 patients (6.01%) received interferon treatment. Compared with the uninfected control cohort, the treated group had a lower risk of death (hazard ratio 0.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.22-0.99). The untreated group had a 2.62-fold higher risk (95% CI 1.24-5.55) of death compared with the treated group. For the HCV cohort without cirrhosis or hepatoma, the risk of death in the treated group was further markedly reduced (hazard ratio 0.17, 95% CI 0.04-0.68) compared with that in the control cohort.For ESRD patients with HCV infection, receiving interferon treatment is associated with a survival advantage. Such an advantage is more prominent in HCV patients without cirrhosis or hepatoma.

Therapy of hepatitis C by direct-acting anti-virals: the end of HCV in dialysis population?

The advent of direct-acting anti-viral (DAA) drugs is dramatically changing the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in patients with intact kidney function ('cure rates' >90% and infrequent adverse events). The information on efficacy and safety of DAAs for HCV therapy in patients with renal failure is limited. We have reviewed the available evidence regarding efficacy and safety of numerous DAAs (boceprevir, telaprevir, sofosbuvir, simeprevir, grazoprevir, elbasvir, ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, dasabuvir, ledispavir, daclatasvir, asunaprevir, beclabuvir) in treating HCV-infected patients with renal impairment and/or end-stage renal disease. The major limitation of this review is the paucity of published data and its reliance on abstracts and product monographs. Preliminary data suggest that combination antiviral therapy (grazoprevir and elbasvir) is provided with great efficacy in patients with HCV genotype 1 and chronic kidney disease stage 4 or 5 including those on intermittent dialysis, SVR12, 99% (114/115), according to a per-protocol analysis. In another trial, patients with HCV genotype 1 and chronic kidney disease stage 4 or 5 were given the 3D regimen; an interim evaluation reported that all patients completing treatment to date had viral response (100%, 14/14) but data on sustained viral response are under evaluation. Treatments were generally well tolerated.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms near IL28B gene and response to treatment of chronic hepatitis C in hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND

It has been shown that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near the interleukin 28B (IL28B) gene were associated with sustained virological response following standard antivirological treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between SNPs near the IL28B gene and response to the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in hemodialysis patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study group included 24 hemodialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C routinely treated with pegylated interferon α-2 a. HCV genotype 1 was the cause of chronic hepatitis C in all study participants. Sustained virological response was determined by an assay with a sensitivity of 20 IU/mL, 6 months after completion of the antivirological treatment. The genotyping of the three most widely studied IL28B gene polymorphisms (rs12979860, rs8099917, and rs12980275) was performed in all study participants.

RESULTS

Sustained virological response was achieved in 50% of the treated patients. The treatment response was significantly associated with the CC genotype of rs12979860, TT genotype of rs8099917, and AA genotype of rs12980275 (p = 0.003, p = 0.009, and p = 0.012, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The three most widely studied SNPs near the IL28B gene were associated with sustained virological response following antivirological treatment of chronic hepatitis C in hemodialysis patients.

Pegylated Interferon Mono-Therapy of Chronic Hepatitis C in the Dialysis Population: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The medical literature on mono-therapy with pegylated interferon for chronic hepatitis C in dialysis patients is mostly based on small clinical studies and the efficacy and safety of such approach is still unclear. A systematic review of the literature with a meta-analysis of clinical studies was performed in order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mono-therapy with pegylated interferon of chronic hepatitis C in patients on regular dialysis. The primary outcome was sustained viral response (as a measure of efficacy); the secondary outcome was drop-out rate (as a measure of tolerability). The random-effects model of Der Simonian and Laird was used, with heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses. Twenty-four clinical studies (N = 744 unique patients) were retrieved; five (21%) being randomized controlled trials. The summary estimate for sustained viral response and drop-out rate was 0.40 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35; 0.46) and 0.14 (95% CI, 0.09; 0.20), respectively. The most frequent side-effects requiring discontinuation of treatment were hematological (31/83 = 37%) and gastrointestinal (9/31 = 10.8%). Meta-regression analysis showed a detrimental role of ageing on the frequency of sustained virological response (P = 0.01); drop-out rate was greater in diabetics (P < 0.005). Important heterogeneity was seen with regard to drop-out rate only. In summary, pegylated interferon monotherapy of hepatitis C in dialysis patients resulted unsatisfactory in terms of efficacy and safety. Studies with novel direct-acting antiviral agents in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin for the treatment of hepatitis C virus in dialysis population are under way.

Enhancing our understanding of current therapies for hepatitis C virus (HCV)

Great progress has been made in understanding the HCV genome and its molecular virology. This understanding has culminated in the development of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents targeting HCV viral proteins. Telaprevir (TVR) and boceprevir (BOC) were the first DAAs introduced for treatment of genotype 1 HCV in 2011; when used in combination with pegylated interferon (pegIFN) and ribavirin (RBV), these protease inhibitors improved efficacy in patients with chronic HCV infection compared to the traditional dual therapy. However, this combination was associated with adverse events that often led to early termination of therapy. In late 2013, the FDA approved a second wave of DAAs, sofosbuvir (SOF) and simeprevir (SMV). The use of SOF with SMV opened the door for IFN-free combination regimens. This combination was highly efficacious and well tolerated in patients with HCV genotype 1. Sofosbuvir and ledipasvir (LDV) fixed-dose oral combination (FDC) therapy, and paritaprevir/ritonavir, ombitasvir and dasabuvir ± RBV were recently approved, elevating sustained virologic response (SVR) rates to over 95 %. We are anticipating the approval of additional IFN-free regimens with comparable efficacy and tolerability but with the addition of pangenotypic coverage, fewer drug-drug interactions, and a high barrier to resistance. This review will summarize current management for chronic HCV infection.