Study the response of Qurevo in end-stage renal disease patients with hepatitis C virus

• Published in: Egyptian Liver Journal 2022-06, Vol.12 (1), p.1-9
• Main Authors: Elshinnawy, Howayda Abd Elhameed, Sarhan, Iman Ibrahim, Ahmed, Ossama Ashraf, Mohamed, Meryhan Osama, Kamel, Cherry Reda
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antiviral agents; Care and treatment; Chronic kidney failure; Comparative analysis; Egypt; End-stage renal disease; Health aspects; Hepatitis C virus; Mortality; Ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir; Protease inhibitors; Proteases; Qurevo; Ribavirin; Urinary tract infections
• ISSN: 2090-6218; 2090-6226
• DOI: 10.1186/s43066-022-00196-x

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 phos