Universal Sustained Viral Response to the Combination of Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir and Dasabuvir with/without Ribavirin in Patients on Hemodialysis Infected with Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes 1 and 4

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is highly prevalent among patients on hemodialysis (HD) and is associated with poor prognosis. Treatment with interferon and ribavirin is poorly tolerated, and few data are available on the impact of new direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). This study was intended to analyze the efficacy and safety of treatment with a combination of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir with/without ribavirin in HCV-infected patients on HD from 3 hospitals. Methods: This is a multicentric study. We analyze the clinical course of all patients on HD with HCV infection who had been treated with the combination of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir in 3 hospitals in Madrid, Spain. All patients under treatment had undergone Transient elastography (FibroScan®) and HCV RNA (PCR) and HCV genotype were determined simultaneously. Results: Thirty-five patients aged 53.3 ± 8.9 years (68.6% males) and with genotypes 1 and 4 were treated with the DAA regimen, and 17 were also given ribavirin. The most common etiology was glomerular disease. Sustained viral response was achieved in 100% of patients. Adverse effects were negligible, and no patient had to discontinue treatment. The most significant side effect was anemia, which led to a significant increase in the dose of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. Anemia was more marked in patients receiving ribavirin. No patients required transfusions. Conclusion: A combination of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir with/without ribavirin for the treatment of HCV in patients on HD is highly effective and causes minimal side effects. This regimen represents a major advance in disease management. A considerable improvement in prognosis seems likely.