Sofosbuvir/Ledipasvir for Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Infection in Adult Patients with β- Thalassemia Major: A Real-Life Study

Abstract

Background&Aims: Patients with thalassemia have lifelong need for blood transfusion, makes them more risky to hepatitis C virus (HCV). Iron overload and chronic HCV are considered risk factors for patients with thalassemia to develop liver insults. The aim of the present study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir/ledipasvir in treatment of chronic HCV infection in Egyptian adult patients with β- thalassemia major. Methods: Aretrospective study included 53 patients with β-thalassemia major with chronic HCV treated with sofosbuvir (400 mg) and ledipasvir (90 mg) as a single pill fixed dose combination once daily for 12 weeks. The effectiveness of treatment was assessed by sustained virologic response (SVR) at 12 weeks after the end of treatment. Results:SVR was achieved in 96.23% of patients. 47.17% of patients had minor side effects. There was a significant reduction in ALT, AST, and serum ferritin 12 weeks post-therapy. There was insignificant change in hemoglobin level, or blood transfusion requirement 12 weeks post-therapy. There was no change in iron chelators doses throughout the study period. Conclusion: Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir regimen seems to be safe and highly effective in treatment of chronic HCV in patients with β-thalassemia major.