Interferon-free therapy with direct acting antivirals for HCV/HIV-1 co-infected Japanese patients with inherited bleeding disorders

Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among men who have sex with men with human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection between 2010 and 2020 in Japan: A single-center retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

The high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) is an important health issue. The purpose of this study is to investigate the actual prevalence of HCV infection among HIV-positive MSM in Japan.

METHODS

This study is a single-center retrospective cohort study. We collected data of HIV-infected MSM who visited our hospital from January 2010 to December 2020, and evaluated HCV prevalence, course of HCV infection, and direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment efficacy in HIV-infected MSM.

RESULTS

Overall, 1135 HIV-infected MSM had HCV antibody (Ab) tests during the observation period. The first anti-HCV Ab positive rate in HIV-infected MSM was 4% (45/1135), and the seroconversion rate of HCV antibody was 3.6% (39/1090). Treponema pallidum hemagglutination antigen positivity (odds ratio [OR], 5.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.9 to 10.5) and intravenous drug injection (OR, 19; 95% CI, 3.4 to 149) were identified as factors associated with HCV Ab positivity. Spontaneous elimination of HCV infection was observed in 17.9% (7/39) of patients. DAA treatment was performed in 43 cases, and the overall sustained virologic response 12 (SVR12) rate for DAA treatment was 93% (40/43).

CONCLUSION

A high HCV infection rate among HIV-infected MSM was observed in Japan. The DAA treatment response rate in patients with HIV/HCV co-infection was the high response rate.

Hepatitis C Virus Infections in Patients with Hemophilia: Links, Risks and Management

Haemophilia is a rare, hereditary bleeding disorder. Clotting factor concentrates were a revolutionary treatment which changed the life of people with haemophilia. However, early generation of clotting factor concentrates, without viral inactivation procedures in the manufacturing process, led to an increased risk of transmission of blood-borne viral infections, mainly due to hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus. As only 20% of HCV-infected patients clear the infection naturally, chronic HCV infection constitutes a serious health problem and a major cause of chronic liver disease in this group of patients. Fortunately, the use of viral inactivation procedures in the plasma-derived factor concentrates manufacturing process and the availability of alternative treatment options, led to a significant reduction of transfusion-associated viral infections. The advent of multiple, orally administrated, highly effective direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) is changing the natural history of HCV infection in patients with haemophilia as these drugs have an excellent safety profile and achieve very high sustained virological response rates, similar to the general population. Eradication of HCV-infection in patients with haemophilia is feasible via micro-elimination projects.

Successful treatment of Japanese hemophilia patient co-infected with HIV and HCV genotype 4a by glecaprevir/pibrentasvir therapy

Although direct-acting antiviral (DAA)-based anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapies are very effective for patients with genotypes 1 and 2, evidence of the efficacy of DAA-based therapy for the special population of patients with genotypes 3-6 is insufficient due to the relatively small number of these subjects in Japan. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV-co-infected patients are recommended to be treated as HCV-mono-infected patients by the latest version of the Japan Society of Hepatology guidelines. However, evidence of efficacy in patients with HIV/HCV genotype 3-6 co-infection is insufficient. Currently, HCV genotypes 3-6 can be treated with two DAA-based therapies, including glecaprevir (GLE)/pibrentasvir (PIB) therapy in Japan. We experienced a relatively rare case of a Japanese hemophilia patient co-infected with HIV/HCV genotype 4a. We evaluated resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) against GLE and PIB before GLE/PIB therapy and found that he had no RASs. He was treated with 12 weeks of GLE/PIB therapy and achieved a sustained virologic response at post-treatment weeks 24. Although the treatment was well tolerated, the patient developed hyper-low-density lipoproteinemia that was probably associated with HCV elimination during the therapy. Additional studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of GLE/PIB therapy for this special population in Japan.

Treatment of hepatitis C virus infection with direct-acting antiviral agent-based regimens in Iranian patients with hereditary bleeding disorders

BACKGROUND

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is one of the most important comorbidities in patients with hereditary bleeding disorders (HBD). The present study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of direct-acting antiviral agent (DAA)-based interferon-free HCV antiviral regimens in patients with HBD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The present study was performed on the patients with HBD and CHC between 2015 and 2019. Sofosbuvir-based interferon-free regimens with or without ribavirin were prescribed to treat HCV infection. The main endpoint of the study was to determine the sustained virologic response (SVR), assessed 12 weeks after the completion of treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 147 patients with a mean age of 41.1 years were enrolled in the study; 4.1% of them were co-infected with HIV, 25.2% had cirrhosis, and 76.9% of them were diagnosed with hemophilia A. HCV genotype-1 includes the largest number (68.1%) of patients. 46.3% of patients were treatment-naïve and others had a treatment history with interferon-based regimens. Out of 147 patients, 15 patients were lost to follow-up during treatment or for SVR evaluation or discontinued treatment. 132 subjects completed treatment and were evaluated for SVR, 12 weeks after the completion of treatment. All of the patients achieved SVR 12 (SVR rate: 100%, 95% CI 97.2-100%).

CONCLUSION

Hepatitis C DAA-based regimens are the effective treatments for CHC in patients with HBD, regardless of the treatment modifiers such as previous treatment experience, cirrhosis, HIV co-infection, and HCV genotype.

Viral hepatitis in haemophilia: historical perspective and current management

The introduction of clotting factor concentrates has substantially improved the lives of people with clotting factor deficiencies. Unfortunately, the transmission of blood-borne viral infections through these plasma-derived products led to a huge epidemic of human immunodeficiency virus and viral hepatitis in people with haemophilia (PWH). In a significant proportion of PWH exposed to these viruses, the ensuing decades-long chronic infection resulted in excess morbidity and mortality. Fortunately, developments in the safety of blood products, as well as vaccination and highly effective antiviral treatments have improved the prospects of PWH. The present article reviews the background of the viral hepatitis epidemic in PWH, the natural history of hepatitis B and C infections and their long-term management.

2020 Taiwan consensus statement on the management of hepatitis C: Part (II) special populations

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a silent killer that leads to rapid progression of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). High prevalence of HCV infection has been reported in Taiwan, especially in high-risk populations including people who inject drugs (PWID) and patients requiring dialysis. Besides, certain populations merit special considerations due to suboptimal outcome, potential drug-drug interaction, or possible side effect. Therefore, in the second part of this 2-part consensus, the Taiwan Association for the Study of the Liver (TASL) proposes the treatment recommendations for the special population in order to serve as guidance to optimizing the outcome in the direct-acting antiviral (DAA) era. Special populations include patients with acute or recent HCV infection, previous DAA failure, chronic kidney disease, decompensated cirrhosis, HCC, liver and other solid organ transplantations, receiving an HCV viremic organ, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HCV dual infection, HCV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection, active tuberculosis infection, PWID, bleeding disorders and hemoglobinopathies, children and adolescents, and pregnancy. Moreover, future perspectives regarding the management of hepatitis C are also discussed and summarized in this consensus statement.

Full-genome analysis of hepatitis C virus in HIV-coinfected hemophiliac Japanese patients

AIM

More than 1400 Japanese hemophiliacs acquired HIV infection around 1983 through contaminated blood products imported from the USA, most of whom also acquired hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. To delineate the HCV genetic relations in HIV-coinfected hemophiliacs, we analyzed stocked plasma samples of the patients seen at the largest referral center for HIV care in Japan.

METHODS

Hepatitis C virus full-genome sequences were amplified and determined using next-generation sequencing, and genotyping and phylogenetic analyses of these sequences were carried out. The results of these hemophiliacs were compared with those of previously studied HIV-coinfected Japanese non-hemophiliacs who had undergone similar analysis of HCV full-genome sequences.

RESULTS

From 1997 to the end of 2017, 72 HIV-infected Japanese hemophiliacs regularly visited our outpatient clinic. Of these, 51 patients had detectable plasma HCV-RNA. The HCV full genome was successfully amplified and sequenced in 50 patients. Not only HCV genotypes 1b (28%) and 2a (6%), which are common in Japan, but also HCV genotypes 1a (32%) and 3a (22%) were identified at high frequency. A single case of intergenotypic recombinant form (2b/1a) and a single case of mixed infection (1a and 3a) were also identified. Each sequence derived from hemophiliacs was more than 0.05 genetic distance away from the other sequences in phylogenetic analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Various HCV genotypes were identified in Japanese hemophiliacs, a finding that reflects the HCV genotypic distribution in the USA. The genetic distance among them are the results of viral evolution in each patient plus HCV genetic diversity in the USA.

High rate of sustained virological response with direct-acting antivirals in haemophiliacs with HCV infection: A multicenter study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Chronic hepatitis C is the main co-morbidity in adult patients with haemophilia (PwH). It causes progressive liver damage leading to end-stage liver disease and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. Eradication of HCV was possible with interferon (IFN)-based regimens in the past and direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) more recently. PwH have been considered "difficult-to-treat" because of several bad predictors of response. The advent of DAAs has provided high rates of sustained virological response (SVR) despite bad prognostic factors. Here, we present the results of antiviral treatment with DAAs in PwH treated in 2 large Italian Hemophilia Treatment Centers.

METHODS

PwH and chronic hepatitis C sustained by any HCV genotype were eligible for therapy with DAAs, including those with compensated cirrhosis, HIV infection and/or previous failure to IFN-based antiviral therapy. Patients received DAAs for 8-24 weeks according to existing guidelines. SVR was defined as persistent negative serum HCV-RNA at 12 weeks after treatment completion (SVR12).

RESULTS

Between January 2015 and November 2018, 200 patients aged 21-84 years (median: 50.5) received DAAs. HCV genotype 1 was the most prevalent (158, 79%). Forty patients (20%) were HIV positive, 56 (28%) had cirrhosis and 91 (46%) previously failed interferon-based treatment. Ribavirin was used in 70 (35%). HCV-RNA was undetectable at week 4 in 124/192 (65%) and SVR12 was achieved in 193/195 (99%). No patient had serious side effects related to DAAs.

CONCLUSIONS

DAAs were safe and highly effective in PwH irrespective of HIV status, stage of liver disease severity and/or previous failure to IFN-based therapy.

Pathogenesis, clinical course, and recent issues in HIV-1-infected Japanese hemophiliacs: a three-decade follow-up

Nearly 30% of Japanese hemophiliacs were infected with HIV-1 in the early 1980s. They have unique characteristics compared to HIV-1-infected individuals through other routes, including date of infection of 1986 or earlier, mean age of nearly 50 years, and common co-infection with hepatitis C, but rarely with other sexually transmitted diseases. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) was introduced in Japan in 1997. The clinical courses before and after 1997 were quite different. Careful analysis of the pre-1997 clinical data allowed expansion of our knowledge about the natural course and pathogenesis of the disease. Switching to the second receptor agents proved critical in subsequent disease progression. HIV-1 continued to escape immune pressure, pushing disease progression faster. In contrast, ART was effective enough to overcome the natural course. Prognosis improved dramatically and cause of death changed from AIDS-related opportunistic infections and malignancies before 1997, to hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) around 2010, and again to non-AIDS defining malignancies recently. In most cases, hepatitis C was cured with direct acting antiviral therapy. However, HCV progressed to cirrhosis in some cases and risk of HCC is still high among these patients. Together with improvement in anticoagulants and aging of the patients, risk of myocardial infarction has increased recently. In addition, the numbers of patients with life-style related co-morbidities, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease have been also increasing. Finally, stigma is still an important barrier to a better life in HIV-1-positive individuals.

Non-AIDS-defining malignancies in Japanese hemophiliacs with HIV-1 infection

Along improvement of prognosis of HIV-1-infected patients due to successful anti-retroviral therapy, main causes of death in the patients have been changing from AIDS to non-AIDS defining malignancies (NADM) recently. However, little is known about the prevalence and incidence of NADM in patients, and especially in HIV-1-infected hemophiliacs. We prospectively conducted NADM screening with FDG-PET, chest CT, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, tumor markers, and stool occult blood in hemophiliacs with a mean age of 48.9 years. Screening was done twice from December 2016 through March 2019; the first screening was used to calculate prevalence in 69 patients and the second was used to calculate incidence in 56 patients. The first screening revealed 4 cases of malignancies; three were cases of thyroid cancer and one was a case of a neuroendocrine tumor in the pancreas; prevalence was 5.8% (95% CI: 0.2-11.4%). During a mean follow-up of 1.2 years with 68.2 person-years (PYs), cancer was diagnosed in 2 cases (pancreatic and liver cancer) during the second screening. Incidence was 2.99/100 PY. It can be speculated that there might be around 40 cases of undiagnosed NADM currently and 20 cases of new NADM annually in this population, because 718 HIV-1-infected hemophiliacs are surviving in Japan according to the 2018 Nationwide Survey on Coagulation Disorders. Screening for NADM in HIV-1-infected hemophiliacs at other hospitals is strongly recommended.

Favorable outcome with direct-acting antiviral treatment in hepatitis C patients coinfected with HIV

AIM

To investigate the efficacy and safety of all-oral direct-acting antiviral treatments in patients coinfected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV.

METHODS

In all, 35 patients with HCV/HIV coinfection (22 patients with HCV genotype 1 infection, 6 with genotype 2, and 7 with genotype 3) were treated with sofosbuvir and ledipasvir (for genotype 1 patients) or sofosbuvir and ribavirin (for genotypes 2 and 3). Sustained virological response (SVR) at 24 weeks after end of treatment and adverse events were assessed.

RESULTS

The overall SVR rate was 91.4% (32/35). One patient with genotype 1 infection discontinued treatment on day 2 due to severe headache, which subsided after the cessation of medication; all other patients completed their treatment without severe adverse events. Two patients who had a relapse of HCV were infected with a genotype 3 strain. We observed hyperbilirubinemia in a patient with genotype 3, who was under antiretroviral therapy including atazanavir. He completed the treatment and achieved SVR.

CONCLUSION

Direct-acting antiviral treatment for patients coinfected with HCV/HIV is as effective as in patients infected only with HCV. It was generally well tolerated, except in one patient who discontinued the treatment due to severe headache.

Antiviral therapy for HCV in hemophilia A patients with HIV-1 co-infection

Anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV co-positive patients with hemophilia A presents numerous problems in terms of safety and effectiveness. The emergence of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens has led to tremendous changes in the management of HIV/HCV co-infection over the past few years, but the application of DAA in patients with hemophilia complicated with HIV/HCV co-infection has rarely been reported.We retrospectively analyzed the clinical course and outcome of hemophilia A patients with HIV/HCV co-infection receiving DAA with a focus on the virological response, changes in cluster of differentiation 4 lymphocyte (CD4) count, side effects, and impact on bleeding before and after DAA therapy.A total of 12 hemophilia A patients with HIV/HCV co-infection were included, 9 of which were severe. All the patients were in stable states with CD4 counts >200/mm and plasma HIV ribonucleic acid (RNA) suppressed (<40 IU/mL) while taking the antiretroviral regimen. Majority of the patients (n = 9, 75.0%) were infected with HCV genotype (GT) 1b, while 2 and 1 was infected with HCV GT 2i and HCV GT 3, respectively.After 12 weeks of DAA treatment, 11 patients (91.7%) obtained sustained virologic response within 24 weeks of discontinuation of treatment (SVR24), except 1 patient who was treated with sofosbuvir (SOF) + pegylated interferon + ribavirin (PR), which was then switched to daclatasvir (DCV) + asunaprevir (ASV) for 12 weeks; this patient then achieved SVR24. During DAA treatment, HIV RNA in all the patients was constantly suppressed, while CD4 counts showed no obvious change.The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were weakness and loss of appetite (generally mild). There was no evidence of an increased tendency of bleeding, and changes in response to replacement.DAA therapy offered a safe and well-tolerated management strategy for HIV/HCV co-infected patients with hemophilia A. An awareness of the potential drug-drug interactions (DDI) between DAA and combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) by clinicians is important for optimal management of co-infected patients.