Treatment Outcomes for Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis with Chronic Hepatitis C on the Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir Regimen

Abstract

Background Hepatitis C (HCV) infection is the most commonly acquired infection for patients on hemodialysis and is associated with significant morbidity and disease progression. Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have revolutionized the management of HCV. However, limited data exist regarding their efficacy in end-stage renal disease (ESRD), especially for patients on dialysis in South Asia. Aims To evaluate the treatment outcomes of patients undergoing hemodialysis with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) on the sofosbuvir (SOF) and daclatasvir (DAC) regimen. Materials and methods All patients who were 18 years or older, diagnosed cases of chronic kidney disease (stage V), and undergoing maintenance hemodialysis were inducted into this study. Active HCV infection was demonstrated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) (qualitative). All patients were then treated with a double regimen of SOF (400 mg once daily) and DAC (60 mg once daily) taken per oral for 12 weeks. Response to treatment was assessed at four, 12, and 52 weeks. Results A total of 31 out of 80 patients were inducted into the study over two years. The prevalence of HCV in hemodialysis patients was 38.75%. Sustained virological response (SVR) was achieved by 27 (87.09%) patients at one year. Four (12.90%) patients had a relapse of HCV. There was no deterioration of hepatological status in any of the patients. Overall survival at one year was 93.54%. Conclusion HCV is highly prevalent in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Prompt treatment with SOF and DAC demonstrates a good response, with negligible side effects.