Management of patients with hepatitis C infection and renal disease

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.

Response to direct-acting antiviral agents in chronic hepatitis C patients with end-stage renal disease: a clinical experience

OBJECTIVE

The recent development of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) has dramatically changed the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, and interferon-based regimes have become a poor treatment choice in clinical practice. Today DAAs offer shorter, well-tolerated, highly effective curative therapies. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of DAAs in patients with end-stage renal disease and HCV genotype 1 infection in real clinical practice.

METHODS

Thirty-six patients who attended our clinic, were diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C (CHC), undergoing hemodialysis, and fulfilled the criteria of age >18 years, genotype 1 infection, with a detectable HCV RNA level were considered for the study. Patients with GT1a infection received OBV/PTV/r plus DSV plus RBV for 12 weeks; GT1b infected patients received this regimen without RBV for 12 weeks.

RESULTS

The study was conducted on 33 patients. The mean age was 52.30 ±13.77 years, and 70 % of them were male. By the fourth week of treatment, HCV RNA levels decreased below 15 IU/ml in all patients. Sustained virologic response (SVR) 12 rate was 100%. Nine patients had side effects during treatment. Of the patients with side effects, 89.9% were in group 1a and 11.1% in group 1b.

CONCLUSION

In this study, treatment with OBV/PTV/r and DSV with or without RBV resulted in high rates of sustained virologic response in HCV GT1-infected patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). SVR was achieved in all patients with few side effects.

Treatment of chronic hepatitis C in patients with chronic kidney disease with Sofosbuvir-basead regimes

Background

To analyze the effectiveness and the safety of Sofosbuvir-based regimens to treat patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

A retrospective, observational study in patients with chronic HCV infection and CKD treated with Sofosbuvir-based regimens was performed. Liver fibrosis, comorbidities, HCV genotype and sustained virological resposnse (SVR) at 12th week post-treatment were evaluated. Kidney function was accessed by serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The assumed level of significance was 5 %.

Results

Thirty-five patients were treated. The mean age was 52.1 ± 10.9 years, 19 (54.3 %) were women, 32 (91.4 %) were already kidney transplanted and 3 (8.6 %) were on hemodialysis. The SVR by intention to treat was 88.6 %. The mean GFR was 65.8 ± 28.6 and 63.7 ± 28.3 ml/min pre- and post-treatment respectively (p > 0.05). Treatment was interrupted in 1 (2.85 %) patient due to anemia and in 2 (5.7 %) due to loss of kidney function.

Conclusion

Sofosbuvir-based regimens are effective to treat HCV in patients with CKD. In patients with mild CKD this type of therapy seems to be safe.

High rate of acute kidney injury in patients with chronic kidney disease and hepatitis C virus genotype 4 treated with direct-acting antiviral agents

BACKGROUND

Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have significantly improved the efficacy and safety of treating chronic hepatitis C (CHC), but their effectiveness and safety among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains poorly understood. Sofosbuvir/daclatasvir regimen is supposed to be used for patients with creatinine clearance more than 30 mL/min, while ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir regimen is used for patients with creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min.

AIM

The aim of the study was to assess the safety and efficacy of DAAs among patients with CKD.

METHODS

Eighteen CKD stage 2-3b patients received sofosbuvir for 3 months. In addition, 42 CKD stage-4 patients received ritonavir-boosted paritaprevir plus ombitasvir for 3 months. Finally, ribavirin was added for 30 of them.

RESULTS

The patients'age was 49.2 ± 12 years. Baseline serum creatinine was 3.76 ± 1.67 mg/dL. Fifty patients were HCV genotype 4. A 3-month sustained viral response was achieved in 56 patients and 49 patients achieved a 6-month viral response. There were 11 relapsers. Acute kidney injury (AKI) upon CKD (AKI/CKD) occurred in 28 patients, of which 20 needed hemodialysis. Fifteen/28 recovered from AKI, whereas 13 were maintained on hemodialysis. In multivariate analysis, there were only two independent risk factors for developing AKI/CKD, i.e., being cirrhotic as defined by baseline abdominal ultrasound findings [odds ratio 4.15 (1.33-12.97); p = 0.013] and having had as DAA therapy OMV/PTV/RTV [odds ratio 7.35 (1.84-29.35); p = 0.001].

CONCLUSION

Treatment of HCV among stage 2, 3a, and 3b patients was achieved safely with a sofosbuvir-based regimen. We recommend that stage-4 patients wait until starting hemodialysis or transplantation.

Effectiveness, safety/tolerability of OBV/PTV/r ± DSV in patients with HCV genotype 1 or 4 with/without HIV-1 co-infection, chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage IIIb-V and dialysis in Spanish clinical practice - Vie-KinD study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Limited data are available on the effectiveness and tolerability of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) therapies in the real world for HCV-infected patients with comorbidities. This study aimed to describe the effectiveness of OBV/PTV/r ± DSV (3D/2D regimen) with or without ribavirin (RBV) in HCV or HCV/HIV co-infected patients with GT1/GT4 and CKD (IIIb-V stages), including those under hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis in routine clinical practice in Spain in 2015.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Non-interventional, retrospective, multicenter data collection study in 31 Spanish sites. Socio-demographic, clinical variables, study treatment characteristics, effectiveness and tolerability data were collected from medical records.

RESULTS

Data from 135 patients with a mean age (SD) of 58.3 (11.4) years were analyzed: 92.6% GT1 (81.6% GT1b and 17.6% GT1a) and 7.4% GT4, 14 (10.4%) HIV/HCV co-infected, 19.0% with fibrosis F3 and 28.1% F4 by FibroScan®, 52.6% were previously treated with pegIFN and RBV. 11.1%, 14.8% and 74.1% of patients had CKD stage IIIb, IV and V respectively. 68.9% of patients were on hemodialysis; 8.9% on peritoneal dialysis and 38.5% had history of renal transplant. A total of 125 (96.2%) of 135 patients were treated with 3D, 10 (7.4%) with 2D and 30.4% received RBV. The overall intention-to-treat (ITT) sustained virologic response at week 12 (SVR12) was 92.6% (125/135) and the overall modified-ITT (mITT) SVR12 was 99.2% (125/126). The SVR12 rates (ITT) per sub-groups were: HCV mono-infected (91.7%), HCV/HIV co-infected (100%), GT1 (92.0%), GT4 (100%), CKD stage IIIb (86.7%), stage IV (95%) and stage V (93%). Among the 10 non-SVR there was only 1 virologic failure (0.7%); 4 patients had missing data due lost to follow up (3.0%) and 5 patients discontinued 3D/2D regimen (3.7%): 4 due to severe adverse events (including 3 deaths) and 1 patient´s decision.

CONCLUSIONS

These results have shown that 3D/2D regimens are effective and tolerable in patients with advanced CKD including those in dialysis with GT 1 or 4 chronic HCV mono-infection and HIV/HCV coinfection in a real-life cohort. The overall SVR12 rates were 92.6% (ITT) and 99.2% (mITT) without clinically relevant changes in eGFR until 12 weeks post-treatment. These results are consistent with those reported in clinical trials.

Treatment and management options for the hepatitis C virus infected kidney transplant candidate

A substantial body of literature has unequivocally established that prevalent hepatitis C virus infection in chronic kidney disease (CKD), end stage renal disease (ESRD) and kidney transplant recipients is associated with a negative impact on patient survival. As a consequence of remarkable work that explained the details of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome, a class of drugs referred to as the direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents were developed that targeted specific key sites in viral replication. Large clinical trials in the HCV-infected general population followed soon after that demonstrated cure rates exceeding 95%. Treatment paradigms have been further refined and expanded to populations of patients that were initially excluded from the large pivotal trials. This includes the CKD and ESRD patients for whom there are now safe and effective DAAs available as well. In this context, the focus of decision making has shifted from initially demonstrating safety and efficacy to now identifying which patient should receive therapy and at what point in their CKD/ESRD journey. The specific issue of timing of treatment is particularly relevant to the HCV-infected ESRD patient who is being considered for kidney transplantation. The option of treating with DAAs prior to the transplant or alternatively delaying therapy and treating in the posttransplant period will be influenced by several factors, including patient preference, the extent of liver injury, the availability of a living or deceased donor, and more recently the option of transplanting a kidney from HCV-positive donor. The latter has been associated with the advantage of shortened waiting times and expansion of the organ donor pool. The optimal timing and choice of therapy will be the result of a decision that has been individualized for each patient as a consequence of a process of clear communication involving the patient, primary care physician, nephrologist, gastroenterologist (GI)/hepatologist, and local transplant center.

The potential regulatory role of miR16 to the interplay between interferon and transforming growth factor beta pathways through IRF3 and SMAD7 in hepatitis C virus infected patients

BACKGROUND

The defensive strategy against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection depends on two antiviral pathways; interferon (IFN) and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). We aimed at verifying the relation between TGFβ and IFN antiviral pathways in HCV infection through SMAD7 and IRF3, and whether a possible regulatory role for microRNA-16 (miR16) on the interplay between IFN and TGFβ signaling pathways exists or not.

METHODS

We evaluated miR16, IRF3 and SMAD7 expression by real-time polymerase chain reaction in HCV infected patients and age and gender matched healthy controls.

RESULTS

miR16 expression was significantly higher while IRF3 and SMAD7 expression was significantly lower in HCV patients compared with healthy controls. Meanwhile, miR16 was negatively correlated to SMAD7 in HCV patients while IRF3 and SMAD7 were positively correlated.

CONCLUSIONS

The interplay between IFN and TGFβ pathways through IRF3 and SMAD7 in the context of immunity against HCV infection could be under the control of miR16.

Evaluation of histological dynamics, kidney function and diabetes in liver transplant patients after antiviral treatment with direct-acting antivirals: Therapy of HCV-recurrence

BACKGROUND

Direct-acting antivirals allow efficient and safe treatment of hepatitis C (HCV) before and after liver transplantation (LT). However, the impact of sofosbuvir on the graft, diabetes, and on kidney function is not answered yet. Primary endpoint of this analysis was the evaluation of kidney function after antiviral treatment (AVT). Secondary endpoints were the assessment of extrahepatic manifestation of HCV-infection by diabetes mellitus and the histopathological changes in terms of inflammation, content of fat, and fibrosis stage.

METHODS

From 2014 to 4/2015, 100 patients with HCV-recurrence after LT were successfully treated with AVT. Ninety-eight received a sofosbuvir-based regimen. Indication was based on genotype, transplant fibrosis stage, and urgency. Biopsies were evaluated before and after treatment. Renal function and diabetes were assessed before, during, and after AVT.

RESULTS

All patients achieved sustained virological response. A significant improvement of inflammation (P = 0.001) and fibrosis stage (P = 0.031) were observed. Significantly less insulin was required in 32 patients with diabetes (P < 0.001) to keep Hb1Ac unchanged after AVT. Kidney function was stable during, 12 weeks after and 48 weeks after antiviral therapy. Stages of renal insufficiency were comparable before and after AVT.

CONCLUSION

Successful sofosbuvir-based AVT leads to a variety of positive development in transplant patients including a significant improvement of inflammation, fat content and fibrosis, a significant decrease in daily insulin dose and no significant impairment of kidney function.

Membranous nephropathy associated with hepatitis C virus infection treated with corticosteroids and Ledipasvir-Sofosbuvir: a case report and review of literature

Background

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults. As many clinical cases have reported, it may be associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Antiviral therapy can be various.

Case summary

We report a case of patient with chronic HCV infection and MN, who presented with was proteinuria. He was treated with ledipasvir and sofosbuvir (Harvoni; Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA) and was found to be virus-free.

Conclusion

We have reported this case to provide insight into whether Ledipasvir-Sofosbuvir should be administered for HCV-related glomerulonephritis.

A review of direct-acting antivirals for the treatment of hepatitis C in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease

Historically, standard treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with renal impairment has been limited by low cure rates and poor tolerability. The introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has revolutionized the treatment of HCV with impressive cure rates >90% and low rates of adverse events. Despite these major advancements, treatment of patients with HCV and advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major challenge due to the lack of efficacy and safety data in this patient population. The purpose of this review is to summarize the available data for efficacy and safety of the following DAAs in treating HCV patients with advanced Stage 4 and 5 CKD: simeprevir, sofosbuvir, ledipasvir, ombitasvir, paritaprevir, dasabuvir, grazoprevir, elbasvir and daclatasvir.

Simeprevir and daclatasvir for 12 or 24 weeks in treatment-naïve patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1b and advanced liver disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We investigated the efficacy and safety of simeprevir plus daclatasvir in treatment-naïve patients with chronic, genotype 1b hepatitis C virus infection and advanced liver disease, excluding patients with pre-defined NS5A resistance-associated substitutions.

METHODS

This phase II, open-label, single-arm, multicentre study included patients aged ≥18 years with advanced fibrosis or compensated cirrhosis (METAVIR F3/4). Patients with NS5A-Y93H or L31M/V resistance-associated substitutions at screening were excluded. Simeprevir (150 mg)+daclatasvir (60 mg) once daily was administered for 12 or 24 weeks; treatment could be extended to 24 weeks prior to or at the Week 12 visit. Primary efficacy endpoint was sustained virological response 12 weeks after the end of treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 106 patients were treated; 27% patients were aged >65 years, 39% had cirrhosis, 53% had estimated glomerular filtration rate 30-89 mL/min, 14% had diabetes, and 38% had arterial hypertension. Overall, 42/106 received 12 weeks of treatment and 64/106 received 24 weeks of treatment. Ninety-seven (92%) patients achieved a sustained virological response 12 weeks after the end of treatment. The reasons for failure were viral breakthrough (n=7) at weeks 4-16, early treatment discontinuation (n=1) and viral relapse (n=1). Seventy-four (70%) patients had ≥1 adverse event during treatment, including six (6%) patients with ≥1 serious adverse event. Three (3%) patients discontinued treatment owing to adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Simeprevir+daclatasvir demonstrated strong antiviral activity and was well-tolerated in patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1b infection, advanced liver disease and a high prevalence of comorbidities. However, viral breakthrough occurred in seven patients, making this regimen unsatisfactory.

Efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir-based regimens for treatment in chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 patients with moderately impaired renal function

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is essential. The availability of sofosbuvir (SOF) has dramatically improved overall HCV cure rates, however there is insufficient data regarding its use in patients with CKD. We evaluated SOF in patients with hepatitis C genotype 1 (G1) and moderately impaired renal function.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all patients treated with a SOF-based regimen from December 2013 through September 2015 at Virginia Mason Medical Center. Data was then collected for HCV G1 patients with stage 3 CKD.

RESULTS

A total of 28 patients with HCV G1 and stage 3 CKD were treated with a SOF-based regimen. Twenty-one patients had stage 3A CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] 45-60 mL/min/1.73m2) and 7 patients had stage 3B CKD (eGFR 30-45 mL/min/1.73m2). The overall rate of sustained virologic response (SVR) 12 weeks after completion of therapy (SVR12) was 85.7% (24/28). SVR12 in stage 3A CKD patients was 81.0% (17/21) and in stage 3B CKD patients, SVR12 was 100% (7/7). Based on the treatment regimen used, the SVR12 was 81.8% (9/11), 92.3% (12/13), and 75.0% (3/4) for SOF/ledipasvir (LDV), SOF/simeprevir (SIM), and SOF/pegylated interferon (PEG)/ribavirin (RBV), respectively. Greater than 30% reduction eGFR was observed in 4 out of 28 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

SOF-based regimens resulted in high SVR12 rates in patients with moderately impaired renal function. During therapy, HCV patients with CKD should be carefully monitored for worsening renal function.

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.

Effects of Mild and Moderate Renal Impairment on Ombitasvir, Paritaprevir, Ritonavir, Dasabuvir, and Ribavirin Pharmacokinetics in Patients with Chronic HCV Infection

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Ombitasvir, paritaprevir (given with low-dose ritonavir), and dasabuvir are direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) used with or without ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the effect of renal function as determined by creatinine clearance (CrCL) on the pharmacokinetics of the DAAs, ritonavir, and ribavirin in HCV genotype 1-infected patients with or without cirrhosis.

METHODS

Total exposure, measured by area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC), was generated for the DAAs, ritonavir, and ribavirin using population pharmacokinetic modeling of data (N = 2093 patients) from 6 Phase 3 studies and 1 Phase 2 study. The effect of CrCL on the AUC values of each DAA, ritonavir, and ribavirin was separately evaluated and adjusted for any significant patient-specific covariates including, age, sex, body weight, cirrhosis, and Asian race in multiple linear regression analysis. Using the final models, AUC values were predicted for patients with normal renal function (CrCL = 105 mL/min), mild renal impairment (CrCL = 75 mL/min) and moderate renal impairment (CrCL = 45 mL/min).

RESULTS

CrCL was not a statistically significant predictor of DAA or ritonavir AUC values. Age, sex, and cirrhosis were significant covariates for the AUC values of all the DAAs and body weight was a significant covariate for the AUC values of ombitasvir and dasabuvir. Asian race was significant only for dasabuvir. Only age and sex were statistically significant predictors for the AUC values of ritonavir. CrCL showed a significant relationship with the ribavirin AUC values, consistent with ribavirin's renal excretion. Age, sex, body weight, and cirrhosis were also significant covariates for the AUC values of ribavirin. The DAA and ritonavir AUC values were comparable (≤10 % difference) among different levels of renal function, while ribavirin AUC values were up to 17 % higher in mild/moderate renal impairment compared with normal renal function.

CONCLUSIONS

No dose adjustments are needed for the 3D regimen in HCV genotype-1 infected patients with mild or moderate renal impairment. Ribavirin doses should be adjusted for renal impairment as recommended in the ribavirin label.

Up-regulation of circulating miRNA146a correlates with viral load via IRAK1 and TRAF6 in hepatitis C virus-infected patients

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a life threatening human pathogen. It has been found that miRNA146a regulates innate immunity, inflammatory response and antiviral pathway. We evaluated miRNA146a expression by real-time PCR and IL-1 receptor associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) and TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) levels by ELISA in serum of 36 HCV viremia patients and 42 age and gender matched healthy controls.

RESULTS

miRNA146a expression was significantly higher in HCV patients with a best cut off value 1.63 to discriminate between HCV patients and healthy controls. Meanwhile, it was negatively correlated to IRAK1 and TRAF6 levels and positively correlated to viral load in HCV patients.

CONCLUSIONS

miRNA146a has a potential role in HCV infection and viral replication through IRAK1 and TRAF6. It can also serve as a new screening method for HCV.

Dual therapy of grazoprevir and elbasvir for the treatment of hepatitis C infection

The impact of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) worldwide is expected to increase as the population infected with HCV ages and more undiagnosed individuals are identified and linked to care through nation-wide initiatives. The development of interferon-free regimens involving the use of direct-acting antiviral agents, which disrupt key steps in viral replication, has revolutionized the treatment of chronic HCV infection. However, there remains a great medical need for HCV therapy that is of shorter duration, all-oral, with a high barrier to resistance, and highly effective for all patient populations including those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and cirrhosis. Grazoprevir, an HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitor and elbasvir, an NS5A inhibitor, have broad in vitro activity against most HCV genotypes and retain in vitro activity against many clinically relevant resistance-associated variants. The once daily regimen is well-tolerated and highly efficacious across wide-ranging patient populations including those with ESRD on hemodialysis.

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.

Is neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin useful in hepatitis C virus infection?

AIM: To evaluate neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) in patients infected by hepatitis C virus (HCV) before and during treatment with directly acting antivirals (DAAs).

METHODS: NGAL was measured in a group of patients with chronic HCV infection ranked, at baseline, by age, gender, anti-hypertensive therapy, HCV viral load, liver fibrosis stage and, either at baseline or after 1 year, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Then, NGAL and eGFR evolutions were monitored in a subgroup of patients who started antiviral therapy with DAAs. Differences of median NGAL levels were evaluated through Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test for non-parametric data. Differences in dichotomous variables were evaluated through χ² test. At baseline, a univariate regression analysis was conducted to verify if NGAL values correlated with other quantitative variables [age, fibrosis four (FIB-4), AST to platelet ratio index (APRI), and eGFR].

RESULTS: Overall, 48 patients were enrolled, 8 of them starting HCV treatment. At baseline, statistically significant differences were found in median NGAL values only between patients with eGFR < 60 mL/min vs patients with eGFR ≥ 90 mL/min. Differences in NGAL were not significant among patients ranked by HCV viral load, FIB-4 score and APRI, when patients with NGAL > 118.11 ng/dL were compared with those of NGAL ≤ 118.11 ng/dL, not statistically significant differences were present for age, gender, chronic kidney disease classification and liver fibrosis (P > 0.05). Linear correlation was found between NGAL and both age (P = 0.0475) and eGFR (P = 0.0282) values. Not statistically significant predictions of NGAL at baseline were demonstrated for eGFR evolution 1 year later. Interestingly, in the 8 patients treated with DAAs, median NGAL significantly increased at week 12 compared to baseline (P = 0.0239).

CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that NGAL should be further evaluated as an adjunct marker of kidney function in these patients.

Hepatitis C Therapy in Renal Patients: Who, How, When?

Renal patients are overexposed to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Hepatitis C virus infection may induce renal disease, i.e., cryoglobulinemic membrano-proliferative glomerulopathy and non-cryoglobulinemic nephropathy. Hepatitis C virus impacts general outcomes in chronic kidney disease, dialysis or transplanted patients. Hepatitis C virus infection is now about to be only part of their medical history thanks to new direct acting antiviral drugs exhibiting as much as over 95% of sustained virological response. All HCV-infected patients potentially can receive the treatment. Control of the virus is associated with better outcomes in all cases, whatever the severity of the hepatic or renal disease. This article focuses on HCV-induced renal diseases, the reciprocal impact of HCV infection on the renal outcome and renal status in liver disease, use of new direct-acting antiviral drugs with dosage adaptations and the most recent safety data.

Efficacy of Direct-Acting Antiviral Combination for Patients With Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1 Infection and Severe Renal Impairment or End-Stage Renal Disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Although hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common in patients with end-stage renal disease, highly efficacious, well-tolerated, direct-acting antiviral regimens have not been extensively studied in this population. We investigated the safety and efficacy of ombitasvir co-formulated with paritaprevir and ritonavir, administered with dasabuvir (with or without ribavirin) in a prospective study of patients with stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS

We performed a single-arm, multicenter study of treatment-naïve adults with HCV genotype 1 infection, without cirrhosis and with CKD stage 4 (estimated glomerular filtration rate, 15-30 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) or stage 5 (estimated glomerular filtration rate, <15 mL/min/1.73 m(2) or requiring hemodialysis). Twenty patients were given ombitasvir co-formulated with paritaprevir and ritonavir, administered with dasabuvir for 12 weeks. Patients with HCV genotype 1a infections also received ribavirin (n = 13), whereas those with genotype 1b infection did not (n = 7). The primary end point was sustained virologic response (serum HCV RNA <25 IU/mL) 12 weeks after treatment ended (SVR12). We collected data on on-treatment adverse events (AEs), serious AEs, and laboratory abnormalities.

RESULTS

All 20 patients completed 12 weeks of treatment. Eighteen of the 20 patients achieved SVR12 (90%; 95% confidence interval: 69.9-97.2). One patient death after the end of the treatment (unrelated to the treatment) and 1 relapse accounted for the 2 non-SVRs. Adverse events were primarily mild or moderate, and no patient discontinued treatment due to an AE. Four patients experienced serious AEs; all were considered unrelated to treatment. Ribavirin therapy was interrupted in 9 patients due to anemia; 4 received erythropoietin. No blood transfusions were performed.

CONCLUSIONS

In a clinical trial, the combination of ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir, administered with dasabuvir, led to an SVR12 in 90% of patients with HCV genotype 1 infection and stage 4 or 5 CKD. The regimen is well tolerated, though RBV use may require a reduction or interruption to manage anemia. ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT02207088.

Treat chronic hepatitis C virus infection in decompensated cirrhosis - pre- or post-liver transplantation? the ironic conundrum in the era of effective and well-tolerated therapy

The management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with decompensated cirrhosis has evolved dramatically over the past few years mainly due to the availability of all-oral antiviral regimens. The currently approved all-oral direct-acting antivirals (DAA) containing sofosbuvir, ledipasvir, daclatasvir and ribavirin, in various combinations, have shown to be safe and effective in patients with decompensated cirrhosis with sustained virological response (SVR) rates nearly comparable to those with well-compensated liver disease. Unique issues yet remain such as the challenges with renal insufficiency, tolerability of ribavirin and risk of further hepatic decompensation with a protease inhibitor-based regimen. While most patients who achieve SVR have demonstrated improvement in hepatic synthetic function over the short course of follow, the long-term beneficial effects are unknown. Further, the baseline predictors of improvement in hepatic function have not been well delineated and thus have left us in a quandary as to what we might expect with successful therapy and thus we are at a loss to well educate our patients. The major concern, in potential liver transplant candidates, is of unintended 'harm' by achieving SVR but without improvement in hepatic function to an extent where the patients might function well. As HCV therapies are as effective in liver transplant recipients, there is a growing sentiment in some of the transplant quarters that those with decompensated liver disease and awaiting liver transplant be treated for HCV after liver transplant. This strategy would thus eliminate any concern of leaving a patient in 'no person's' land by treating HCV successfully pretransplant but not to the point of functional normalcy, while also would maintain the risk of HCC. Yet a contrarian view would be that not all patients have access to liver transplantation (LT), cannot bear the cost, have comorbidities or contraindications to LT. While the debate continues, it is essential that we develop robust predictors of improvement in liver function so that we can carefully select our patients for therapy in the context of liver transplantation.

Ledipasvir and sofosbuvir for treatment of post- renal transplant hepatitis C infection: A case report with review of literature

Liver disease due to hepatitis C infection in renal transplant recipients is difficult to treat and often associated with reduced patient survival. A 43-year-old male, a renal allograft recipient, presented at 6 years follow-up with significant weight loss over 3 months. He was detected to have new onset diabetes mellitus together with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (genotype 1). His HCV load remained high despite the change of immuno-suppression from tacrolimus to cyclosporine. A decision to treat with a new anti-viral combination of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir for 12 weeks was taken. Within 3 weeks, his raised serum transaminases levels normalized and viral load became undetectable. At the end of 16 weeks, he continues to do well with normal renal function, has sustained remission from hepatitis C infection and resolution of diabetes.

Pretransplant Hepatitis B Viral Infection Increases Risk of Death After Kidney Transplantation: A Multicenter Cohort Study in Korea

Clinical outcomes in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) with hepatitis B virus (HBV) have not been thoroughly evaluated. Here, we investigated recent posttransplant clinical outcomes of KTRs with HBV and compared them with KTRs with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and seronegative KTRs.Of 3855 KTRs from April 1999 to December 2011, we enrolled 3482 KTRs who had viral hepatitis serology data; the patients were followed up for 89.1 ± 54.1 months. The numbers of recipients with HBV and HCV were 160 (4.6%) and 55 (1.6%), respectively. We analyzed the clinical outcomes, including overall mortality and graft failure, among patients who had undergone kidney transplantation.Patients with HBV showed poorer survival (P = 0.019; adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 2.370; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.155-4.865) than KTRs without HBV. However, the graft survival of patients with chronic hepatitis B did not differ from that of patients without HBV. Hepatic complications were the primary causes of mortality of KTRs with HBV. Mortality significantly correlated with a higher grade of inflammation (P = 0.002) and with the use of lamivudine or adefovir antiviral treatment (P = 0.016). HBV-positive KTRs treated with the new-generation antiviral agent entecavir showed improved patient survival compared with KTRs receiving lamivudine (log-rank P = 0.050). HCV did not affect patient survival; however, it increased the incidence of graft failure (P = 0.010; adjusted HR = 2.899; 95% CI: 1.289-6.519). KTRs with HCV had an increased incidence of acute rejection (log-rank P = 0.005, crude HR = 2.144; 95% CI: 1.341-3.426; P = 0.001).KTRs with chronic hepatitis B may exhibit poor survival due to post-transplantation hepatic complications. Pretransplant histological liver evaluations and adequate antiviral management with potent nucleoside/nucleotide analogues are needed to improve the survival of KTRs with chronic hepatitis B even when liver function is within the normal range.

Successful Treatment of Hepatitis C with Simeprevir, Sofosbuvir, and Ribavirin in an HIV Coinfected Liver Transplant Patient with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease

Although major advances have occurred in treating patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) with the development of new direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), treatment of liver transplant recipients with HCV, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection, and renal disease is challenging due to the lack of efficacy and safety data in this population. We report a case of successful HCV therapy in a postliver transplant HIV coinfected patient, with stage 4 chronic kidney disease, using an all-oral regimen of simeprevir, sofosbuvir, and ribavirin. The 51-year-old male achieved SVR24, and no specific HIV-related or transplant-related adverse events were documented during the treatment period. The new DAAs show promise for HIV coinfected patients and those with severe to end-stage renal disease (ESRD); however, robust clinical trials or large cohort studies will need to be conducted to confirm the efficacy and safety of these newer agents in this setting.

New and Emerging Evidence on the Use of Second-Generation Direct Acting Antivirals for the Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus in Renal Impairment

Due to the intimate relationship between liver and kidney disease in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, treatment options for HCV-positive patients at any stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are essential. The availability of second-generation, direct-acting antiviral (DAA) combinations has allowed for the advent of interferon-sparing treatment regimens with shorter durations and minimal side effects. While many of the second-generation DAAs are principally metabolized by the hepatic system, dosing in severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance [CrCl] <30 mL/min) or dialysis has remained questionable due to limited experience. New evidence regarding the use of these agents in renal impairment continues to become available, as real-world experience with these treatment regimens is reported. Simeprevir, ledipasvir, paritaprevir, ombitasvir, dasabuvir, and daclatasvir have data to suggest safety in end-stage renal disease. While safety and efficacy with sofosbuvir remains uncertain, data are now available to support utilizing a dose adjustment when glomerular filtration rates are <30 mL/min. Upcoming regimens grazoprevir/elbasvir and daclatasvir/asunaprevir/beclavubir may provide further options for patients with advanced kidney disease, and ongoing studies will continue to provide guidance for this unique patient population. This article will review the currently available literature, including the newest emerging evidence, on the use of second-generation DAAs in CKD stages 3 to 5 and dialysis.

New approaches in the treatment of hepatitis C

About 130-170 million people, is estimated to be infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Chronic HCV infection is one of the leading causes of liver-related death and in many countries it is the primary reason for having a liver transplant. The main aim of antiviral treatment is to eradicate the virus. Until a few years ago the only treatment strategy was based on the combination of pegylated interferon and ribavirin (PEG/RBV). However, in genotypes 1 and 4 the rates of viral response did not surpass 50%, reaching up to 80% in the rest. In 2011 approval was given for the first direct acting antiviral agents (DAA), boceprevir and telaprevir, for treatment of genotype 1, in combination with traditional dual therapy. This strategy managed to increase the rates of sustained viral response (SVR) in both naive patients and in retreated patients, but with greater toxicity, interactions and cost, as well as being less safe in patients with advanced disease, in whom this treatment can trigger decompensation or even death. The recent, accelerated incorporation since 2013 of new more effective DAA, with pan-genomic properties and excellent tolerance, besides increasing the rates of SVR (even up to 100%), has also created a new scenario: shorter therapies, less toxicity and regimens free of PEG/RBV. This has enabled their almost generalised applicability in all patients. However, it should be noted that most of the scientific evidence available is based on expert opinion, case-control series, cohort studies and phase 2 and 3 trials, some with a reduced number of patients and select groups. Few data are currently available about the use of these drugs in daily clinical practice, particularly in relation to the appearance of side effects and interactions with other drugs, or their use in special populations or persons with the less common genotypes. This situation suggests the need for the generalised implementation of registries of patients receiving antiviral therapy. The main inconvenience of these new drugs is their high cost. This necessitates selection and prioritization of candidate patients to receive them, via strategies established by the various national organs, in accordance with the recommendations of scientific societies.

The Impact of Infection on Chronic Allograft Dysfunction and Allograft Survival After Solid Organ Transplantation

Infectious diseases after solid organ transplantation (SOT) are a significant cause of morbidity and reduced allograft and patient survival; however, the influence of infection on the development of chronic allograft dysfunction has not been completely delineated. Some viral infections appear to affect allograft function by both inducing direct tissue damage and immunologically related injury, including acute rejection. In particular, this has been observed for cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in all SOT recipients and for BK virus infection in kidney transplant recipients, for community-acquired respiratory viruses in lung transplant recipients, and for hepatitis C virus in liver transplant recipients. The impact of bacterial and fungal infections is less clear, but bacterial urinary tract infections and respiratory tract colonization by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus spp appear to be correlated with higher rates of chronic allograft dysfunction in kidney and lung transplant recipients, respectively. Evidence supports the beneficial effects of the use of antiviral prophylaxis for CMV in improving allograft function and survival in SOT recipients. Nevertheless, there is still a need for prospective interventional trials assessing the potential effects of preventive and therapeutic strategies against bacterial and fungal infection for reducing or delaying the development of chronic allograft dysfunction.

Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C in Special Populations

The management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in special populations is challenging. The efficacy and safety data of the currently approved all-oral direct-acting antiviral combinations, including sofosbuvir, ledipasvir, daclatasvir, paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir plus dasabuvir (3D), and ribavirin, is compelling for use in special HCV populations, as has recently been recommended by expert guidelines. The treatment regimens and sustained virological response rates for special populations are nearly similar to those of the general HCV population. Sofosbuvir is not recommended in patients with severe renal impairment, and simeprevir and 3D regimen are not recommended for those with decompensated liver disease.

Efficacy of low-dose rituximab for the treatment of mixed cryoglobulinemia vasculitis: Phase II clinical trial and systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether rituximab at a low dose of 250 mg/m(2) × 2 may be as effective as at higher dosages, most commonly 375 mg/m(2)×4, used in previous studies on the treatment of patients with refractory mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) vasculitis associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

METHODS

We conducted a phase 2, single-arm two-stage trial (EUDRACT n. 2008-000086-38) of low-dose rituximab in 52 patients with HCV-associated MC who were ineligible/intolerant or non-responder to antiviral therapy. The primary outcomes were response of vasculitis evaluated by the Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS) at months 3, 6 and 12, rate of relapses and time to relapse, and rate of adverse events. Our data were compared with those reported in 19 published studies selected among 291 reviewed in a literature search.

RESULTS

The cumulative response rate (complete and partial) at month 3 was 81% in our patients, and 86% in 208 patients from studies using high-dose rituximab. The relapse rate and median time to relapse were, respectively, 41% and 6 months in our study, and 32% and 7 months in high-dose studies. Treatment-related adverse events were 11.5% in our study and 19.9% in high-dose studies. None of these differences was statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Rituximab at a low dosage of 250 mg/m(2) × 2 is as effective as at higher dosages for treating MC vasculitis. This low-dose regimen may improve the cost/benefit profile of rituximab therapy for MC.