Use of sofosbuvir-based direct-acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C viral infection in patients with severe renal insufficiency

Sofosbuvir-based direct-acting antiviral therapy revolutionized the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, sofosbuvir use is not approved for patients with severe renal insufficiency (estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) rate below 30 ml/min) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) based on concerns raised during premarket animal testing over hepatobiliary and cardiovascular toxicity in this population. We report the first published data on use of sofosbuvir-based regimens in patients with severe renal insufficiency and ESRD, focusing on clinical efficacy and safety. Six patients were treated with full dose sofosbuvir; three received sofosbuvir and simeprevir, two received sofosbuvir and ribavirin, and one received sofosbuvir, ribavirin, and interferon. Three of the patients had cirrhosis. On-treatment viral suppression was 100% and sustained virological response (SVR) rate at 12 weeks was 67%. One patient had to discontinue antiviral therapy early due to side effects. No hepatobiliary or cardiovascular toxicity was reported.