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Choudhary NS, Saraf N, Saigal S, Rastogi A, Bhangui P, Thiagrajan S, Soin AS. Outcome of hepatitis C-related liver transplantation in direct-acting antiviral era. Indian J Gastroenterol 2020; 39:539-543. [PMID: 33230754 DOI: 10.1007/s12664-020-01105-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has become an easily treatable disease after the introduction of sofosbuvir-based direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens. This is a large single center experience of changing severity and outcome profile of HCV-related liver disease after availability of DAAs. METHODS A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected liver transplantation (LT) database of adults (age > 18 years at the time of LT) was performed from June 2010 to July 2018. A total of 410 patients (including 26 co-infection with hepatitis B) underwent LT for hepatitis C-related decompensated cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) out of 1754 adult transplantation in the defined period. RESULTS The study group comprised of 296 males and 114 females aged 52.1 ± 7.9 years. HCV-related decompensated cirrhosis and/or HCC as indication of LT was present in 289/1016 (28.4%) during 2010-2014, which was reduced to 121/738 (16.3%) during 2015-2018 (p = 0.000). The LT recipients for HCV-related cirrhosis had significantly lower Child's and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score during 2015-2018 as compared to that during 2010-2014; Child's score was 7.9 ± 2.2 vs. 8.6 ± 2.1, p = 0.003; MELD score was 13.9 ± 5.3 vs. 17.1 ± 5.8, p = 0.000, respectively. There was a trend towards better survival in HCV patients during 2015-2018 as compared to that during 2010-2014. Significantly more patients had HCV RNA negative status before LT during 2015-2018 (38.8% vs. 13%, p = 0.000); moreover, the proportion of LT for decompensated cirrhosis (without HCC) decreased significantly in the latter period, 64.0% vs. 42.1% (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION In the DAA era, HCV as an indication for LT has decreased and patients have less severe disease at transplantation. There is a trend towards better patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendra S Choudhary
- Medanta Institute of Liver Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Medanta the Medicity Hospital, Sector 38, Gurugram, Delhi (NCR), 122 413, India
| | - Neeraj Saraf
- Medanta Institute of Liver Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Medanta the Medicity Hospital, Sector 38, Gurugram, Delhi (NCR), 122 413, India.
| | - Sanjiv Saigal
- Medanta Institute of Liver Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Medanta the Medicity Hospital, Sector 38, Gurugram, Delhi (NCR), 122 413, India
| | - Amit Rastogi
- Medanta Institute of Liver Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Medanta the Medicity Hospital, Sector 38, Gurugram, Delhi (NCR), 122 413, India
| | - Prashant Bhangui
- Medanta Institute of Liver Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Medanta the Medicity Hospital, Sector 38, Gurugram, Delhi (NCR), 122 413, India
| | - Srinivas Thiagrajan
- Medanta Institute of Liver Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Medanta the Medicity Hospital, Sector 38, Gurugram, Delhi (NCR), 122 413, India
| | - Arvinder S Soin
- Medanta Institute of Liver Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Medanta the Medicity Hospital, Sector 38, Gurugram, Delhi (NCR), 122 413, India
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Debnath P, Chandnani S, Rathi P, Nair S, Pawar V, Contractor Q. COMBINED NS5A & NS5B NUCLEOTIDE INHIBITOR THERAPY FOR PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS C WITH STAGE 5 CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE ON HEMODIALYSIS. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2020; 57:39-44. [PMID: 32294734 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-2803.202000000-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most common hepatotropic viral infection affecting the patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Treatment of chronic HCV infection in stage 4 and 5 CKD includes a combination of elbasvir/grazoprevir and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, which are not available in many countries. OBJECTIVE Hence, we have conducted this study to look for the safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir combination therapy in this difficult to treat population. METHODS We conducted a single-center, prospective, open-label study in which Stage 5 CKD patients on maintenance hemodialysis with HCV infection. Total of 18 patients was included. sofosbuvir with daclatasvir or ledipasvir was used according to genotype for 12 weeks. HCV RNA, genotype, transient elastography (TE) was considered for every patient. HCV RNA was quantified at 4th week, 12th week and 12 weeks post-treatment to look for sustained virologic response (SVR 12). RESULTS Infection due to genotype 1 was seen in 12 (66.7%) patients followed by genotype 3 in 4 (22.3%) with each patient of genotype 2 and 5. The median value of HCV RNA was 2,35,000 IU/mL. On TE, all had liver stiffness of <9.4 KPa. All patients had HCV RNA of <15 IU/mL at 4th and 12th week of treatment and 12 weeks post-treatment. No significant change in hemoglobin, eGFR and liver stiffness was observed. CONCLUSION Full dose sofosbuvir i.e. 400 mg, in combination with NS5A inhibitors daclatasvir or ledipasvir is found to be safe and effective in patients with end stage renal disease, who are on maintenance hemodialysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanta Debnath
- T.N.M.C & B.Y.L Nair Charitable Hospital, Gastroenterology, Mumbai, India
| | - Sanjay Chandnani
- T.N.M.C & B.Y.L Nair Charitable Hospital, Gastroenterology, Mumbai, India
| | - Pravin Rathi
- T.N.M.C & B.Y.L Nair Charitable Hospital, Gastroenterology, Mumbai, India
| | - Sujit Nair
- T.N.M.C & B.Y.L Nair Charitable Hospital, Gastroenterology, Mumbai, India
| | - Vinay Pawar
- T.N.M.C & B.Y.L Nair Charitable Hospital, Gastroenterology, Mumbai, India
| | - Qais Contractor
- T.N.M.C & B.Y.L Nair Charitable Hospital, Gastroenterology, Mumbai, India
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Taneja S, Duseja A, De A, Kumar V, Ramachandran R, Sharma A, Dhiman RK, Gupta KL, Chawla Y. Successful treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection with directly acting antivirals in renal transplant recipients. Nephrology (Carlton) 2018; 23:876-882. [PMID: 28703905 DOI: 10.1111/nep.13109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The data regarding the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in renal transplant recipients is lacking from the Asia-Pacific region. The aim of the present study was to assess the safety and efficacy of directly acting antivirals (DAAs) in the treatment of CHC infection in renal transplant recipients. METHODS A total of 47 CHC infected renal transplant recipients were enrolled in this real life observational cohort analysis between March 2015 and September 2016. Presence of hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis was assessed on transient elastography (Fibroscan). Fourteen patients were treated with Sofosbuvir and Ribavirin for 24 weeks. Twenty-two patients received Sofosbuvir and Ledipasvir and 12 patients received Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir with (n = 3) or without (n = 31) Ribavirin for 12 or 24 weeks depending on genotype and underlying cirrhosis. Data were analyzed for safety and treatment efficacy [sustained virological response at 12 weeks (SVR12)]. RESULTS The median baseline HCV RNA concentration in the whole group was 7.38 × 106 IU/mL (1.23 × 104 -6.36 × 107 ). The SVR12 rates were 100% in all groups except in the Sofosbuvir and Ribavirin group (86%). Transient Elastography revealed minimal or no fibrosis (F0-F1) in 31 (65.96%) patients, moderate fibrosis (F2) in 11 (23.4%) patients and cirrhosis in five (10.64%) patients. The only serious adverse effect was anaemia observed in eight (57%) patients in the Sofosbuvir and Ribavirin group. CONCLUSION DAAs including Sofosbuvir, Daclatasvir and Ledipasvir with or without ribavirin are safe and effective for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in renal transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Taneja
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ajay Duseja
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Arka De
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Vivek Kumar
- Department of Nephrology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Raja Ramachandran
- Department of Nephrology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ashish Sharma
- Department of Transplant Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Radha K Dhiman
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Krishan L Gupta
- Department of Nephrology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Yogesh Chawla
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Low-Dose Sofosbuvir Is Safe and Effective in Treating Chronic Hepatitis C in Patients with Severe Renal Impairment or End-Stage Renal Disease. Dig Dis Sci 2018; 63:1334-1340. [PMID: 29484572 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-018-4979-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS There is sparse data on the use of Sofosbuvir based directly acting antiviral (DAA) drug regimens in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of low-dose Sofosbuvir plus full-dose Daclatasvir in CHC patients with CKD. METHODS Sixty-five CHC patients with CKD with eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 [54 (83%) patients with ESRD on hemodialysis] were included. All patients irrespective of genotype were treated with half-dose Sofosbuvir [200 mg (half tablet of 400 mg)] plus full-dose Daclatasvir (60 mg) given daily for either 12 or 24 weeks given in patients with genotype 3 cirrhosis. The efficacy was assessed by the sustained virological response (SVR12) with negative HCV RNA 12 weeks after the end of treatment (ETR). RESULTS The median HCV RNA level in 65 patients (Males 40, mean age 42.9 ± 13 years) was 1.65 × 106 (1.2 × 103-1.73 × 108) IU/mL with 42 (64.6%) patients having HCV genotype 1, followed by genotype 3 and 2 in 22 (34%) and 1 (1.4%) patients, respectively. Twenty-one (32%) patients had evidence of cirrhosis, and ten (15.4%) patients were treatment experienced. Sixty-four (98.5%) patients achieved ETR, and 65 (100%) patients attained SVR12. All patients tolerated the DAAs well with none of the patients reporting any serious adverse events. Minor side effects noted were nausea seen in five (7.7%) patients, insomnia and headache in four (6.2%) patients each, and pruritus in one (1.5%) patient. CONCLUSION Low-dose Sofosbuvir and full-dose Daclatasvir are safe and effective in treating CHC in patients with CKD with eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2.
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Bouksila M, Kaabachi W, Mrad M, Smaoui W, El Kateb EC, Zouaghi MK, Hamzaoui K, Bahlous A. FGF 23, PTH and vitamin D status in end stage renal disease patients affected by VDR Fok I and Bsm I variants. Clin Biochem 2018; 54:42-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2018.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Goel A, Bhadauria DS, Kaul A, Prasad N, Gupta A, Sharma RK, Rai P, Aggarwal R. Safety and effectiveness of response-guided therapy using pegylated interferon and ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C virus infection in patients on maintenance dialysis. Nephrology (Carlton) 2017; 22:706-711. [PMID: 27286895 DOI: 10.1111/nep.12833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amit Goel
- Department of Gastroenterology; Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences; Lucknow India
| | | | - Anupma Kaul
- Department of Nephrology; Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences; Lucknow India
| | - Narayan Prasad
- Department of Nephrology; Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences; Lucknow India
| | - Amit Gupta
- Department of Nephrology; Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences; Lucknow India
| | - Raj Kumar Sharma
- Department of Nephrology; Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences; Lucknow India
| | - Praveer Rai
- Department of Gastroenterology; Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences; Lucknow India
| | - Rakesh Aggarwal
- Department of Gastroenterology; Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences; Lucknow India
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Choudhary NS, Kumar A, Bodh V, Bansal SB, Sharma R, Jain M, Saigal S, Saraf N. Efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir-based regimens in chronic hepatitis C patients on dialysis. Indian J Gastroenterol 2017; 36:113-116. [PMID: 28281085 DOI: 10.1007/s12664-017-0735-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have poor treatment tolerance and outcome to interferon-based regimens. Sofosbuvir-based regimens have improved treatment success in chronic hepatitis C. There is limited data in ESRD patients as sofosbuvir is excreted by the kidney. Several small studies have shown good results. METHODS Sixteen consecutive patients of ESRD (on dialysis) and chronic hepatitis C were treated with sofosbuvir-based regimens as they were prospective kidney transplantation recipients, at a tertiary care center in north India. Sofosbuvir was given 400 mg on alternate days. Data is shown as number, mean (SD), and median (range). RESULTS Sixteen patients (12 males) aged 45±12 years received sofosbuvir-based treatment. These patients were on hemodialysis from 10 (2-48) months. Eleven of these patients had genotype 1, four had genotype 3, and one had genotype 4 infection; baseline RNA was 7 (5-8) log. The following treatment regimens were used: sofosbuvir, ribavirin, and low dose peginterferon (n = 8; 6 genotype 1 and one each had genotype 3 and 4); sofosbuvir and daclatasvir (n = 7); sofosbuvir, ribavirin, and daclatasvir (n = 1). Ten patients achieved end of treatment response and 8 (80%) of these achieved sustained virological response at 12 weeks (SVR12); six are on treatment. Two patients with genotype one (including one with cirrhosis) had relapse. Seven patients needed blood transfusion; interferon was stopped in one due to thrombocytopenia. Fatigue was present in 4 patients. CONCLUSION Sofosbuvir-based regimens can be used in ESRD patients on dialysis with good efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amit Kumar
- Medanta Liver Institute, Medanta The Medicity, Gurgaon, Haryana, 122 018, India
| | - Vijay Bodh
- Medanta Liver Institute, Medanta The Medicity, Gurgaon, Haryana, 122 018, India
| | - Shyam Bihari Bansal
- Medanta Kidney Institute, Medanta The Medicity, Gurgaon, Haryana, 122 018, India
| | - Reetesh Sharma
- Medanta Kidney Institute, Medanta The Medicity, Gurgaon, Haryana, 122 018, India
| | - Manish Jain
- Medanta Kidney Institute, Medanta The Medicity, Gurgaon, Haryana, 122 018, India
| | - Sanjiv Saigal
- Medanta Liver Institute, Medanta The Medicity, Gurgaon, Haryana, 122 018, India
| | - Neeraj Saraf
- Medanta Liver Institute, Medanta The Medicity, Gurgaon, Haryana, 122 018, India.
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Agarwal SK, Bhowmik D, Mahajan S, Bagchi S. Pegylated interferon monotherapy for hepatitis C virus infection in patients on hemodialysis: A single center study. Indian J Nephrol 2016; 26:244-51. [PMID: 27512295 PMCID: PMC4964683 DOI: 10.4103/0971-4065.172228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is no published study from India on hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment in dialysis patients. Patients on dialysis with HCV infection treated with pegylated interferon (Peg-INF) monotherapy were studied. All patients were subjected to HCV-polymerase chain reaction, viral load, genotype, and liver biopsy. Quantitative HCV-RNA was performed monthly. Patients with genotype 1 and 4 were given 12 month therapy while those with genotypes 2 and 3 were given 6 months therapy. Response was classified as per standard criteria of rapid virological response (RVR), early virological response (EVR), end of treatment response (ETR), and sustained virological response (SVR). A total of 85 patients were treated. Mean age was 35.2 ± 10.5 (range 15-67) years, and 77.6% were males. HCV genotypes were 1 in 40.9%, 2 in 12%, 3 in 36.1%, 4 in 3.6%, and others in 7.2%. Mean viral load was 10(6) copies/mL. Mean liver biopsy grade was 4 ± 1.7 and stage 0.8 ± 0.8. Mean time from diagnosis of HCV infection and the treatment start was 10.7 ± 14.3 months. One patient died of unrelated illness, one was lost to follow-up, and three could not sustain treatment due to cost. Forty-three of the 80 (54%) patients had RVR while 49 (61%) patients had EVR and ETR. There was no difference in term of RVR related to genotype. Fifty -four percentage had SVR. Mild flu-like symptoms were seen in all patients. Sixty-four (80%) patients required increase in erythropoietin doses. Twenty-eight (35%) patients developed leukopenia (three treatment-limiting) and 16 (20%) developed thrombocytopenia (one treatment-limiting). Five patients developed tuberculosis, five bacterial pneumonia, and one bacterial knee monoarthritis. None of the patients developed depression. Our study concludes that Peg-INF monotherapy resulted in 54% RVR and SVR in dialysis patients with HCV infection. Therapy was well-tolerated with minimal side effects. There was no effect of viral genotype on response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S K Agarwal
- Department of Nephrology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - D Bhowmik
- Department of Nephrology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - S Mahajan
- Department of Nephrology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - S Bagchi
- Department of Nephrology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Puri P, Saraswat VA, Dhiman RK, Anand AC, Acharya SK, Singh SP, Chawla YK, Amarapurkar DN, Kumar A, Arora A, Dixit VK, Koshy A, Sood A, Duseja A, Kapoor D, Madan K, Srivastava A, Kumar A, Wadhawan M, Goel A, Verma A, Shalimar, Pandey G, Malik R, Agrawal S. Indian National Association for Study of the Liver (INASL) Guidance for Antiviral Therapy Against HCV Infection: Update 2016. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2016; 6:119-45. [PMID: 27493460 PMCID: PMC4963318 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
India contributes significantly to the global burden of HCV. While the nucleoside NS5B inhibitor sofosbuvir became available in the Indian market in March 2015, the other directly acting agents (DAAs), Ledipasvir and Daclatasvir, have only recently become available in the India. The introduction of these DAA in India at a relatively affordable price has led to great optimism about prospects of cure for these patients as not only will they provide higher efficacy, but combination DAAs as all-oral regimen will result in lower side effects than were seen with pegylated interferon alfa and ribavirin therapy. Availability of these newer DAAs has necessitated revision of INASL guidelines for the treatment of HCV published in 2015. Current considerations for the treatment of HCV in India include the poorer response of genotype 3, nonavailability of many of the DAAs recommended by other guidelines and the cost of therapy. The availability of combination DAA therapy has simplified therapy of HCV with decreased reliance of evaluation for monitoring viral kinetics or drug related side effects.
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Key Words
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- ANC, absolute neutrophil count
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- CH-C, chronic hepatitis C
- CTP, Child-Turcotte-Pugh
- DAA, directly acting antiviral agents
- DCV, daclatasvir
- EIA, enzyme immunoassay
- ESRD, end-stage renal disease
- EVR, early virological response
- FCH, fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis
- GT, genotype
- HCV
- HCV, hepatitis C virus
- HCWs, healthcare workers
- HIV, human immunodeficiency virus
- INASL, Indian National Association for Study of the Liver
- IU, international units
- LDV, ledipasvir
- LT, liver transplantation
- NS, nonstructural protein
- NSI, needlestick injury
- PCR, polymerase chain reaction
- Peg-IFNα, pegylated interferon alfa
- RBV, ribavirin
- RVR, rapid virological response
- SOF, sofosbuvir
- SVR, sustained virological response
- ULN, upper limit of normal
- anti-HCV, antibody to HCV
- antiviral therapy
- chronic hepatitis
- hepatitis C virus
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Puri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune 411040, India
| | - Vivek A. Saraswat
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Radha K. Dhiman
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Anil C. Anand
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi 110076, India
| | - Subrat K. Acharya
- Department of Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Shivaram P. Singh
- Department of Gastroenterology, SCB Medical College, Cuttack 753007, India
| | - Yogesh K. Chawla
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | | | - Ajay Kumar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fortis Escorts Liver and Digestive Diseases Institute, New Delhi 110076, India
| | - Anil Arora
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi 110060, India
| | - Vinod K. Dixit
- Department of Gastroenterology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Abraham Koshy
- Department of Hepatology, Lakeshore Hospital, Cochin 682304, India
| | - Ajit Sood
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana 141001, India
| | - Ajay Duseja
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Dharmesh Kapoor
- Department of Gastroenterology, Global Hospital, Hyderabad 500004, India
| | - Kaushal Madan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon 122001, India
| | - Anshu Srivastava
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi 110060, India
| | - Manav Wadhawan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fortis Escorts Liver and Digestive Diseases Institute, New Delhi 110076, India
| | - Amit Goel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Abhai Verma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Shalimar
- Department of Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Gaurav Pandey
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Rohan Malik
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Swastik Agrawal
- Department of Gastroenterology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Mullana, Ambala, India
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Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease: A Study from a Tertiary Care Centre in India. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2016; 6:21-5. [PMID: 27194892 PMCID: PMC4862010 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2015.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is common in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) and is an important cause of liver disease. We describe the demographic, clinical and biochemical profile of these patients from a tertiary care center of north India. METHODS Records of consecutive patients of HCV infection with ESRD on maintenance hemodialysis or with renal transplantation who presented to our unit from January 2009 to June 2013 were analyzed. The diagnosis of HCV was based on HCV-RNA positivity and/or positive anti-HCV serology. Those with positive anti-HCV serology and negative HCV-RNA on two occasions at 3-month interval, without treatment with interferon, were excluded. RESULTS 140 patients (median age 44 years [range 18-68], 69% males) were included. Six patients had co-infections (HBV 5, HIV 1). Most (99, 71%) patients were asymptomatic for liver disease and HCV was identified either on routine screening (39, 28%) or during investigation for raised liver enzymes (60, 43%). Remaining 41 (29%) were symptomatic for liver disease, either in the form of jaundice alone (14, 10%), or decompensated liver disease (27, 19%). Median time between initiation of hemodialysis and HCV detection was 33 (range 0-124) months. Thirty-four (27%) patients had received renal transplantation. In 11 patients HCV was detected after renal transplantation. In 23 (18%) patients anti-HCV was falsely negative but HCV-RNA was positive. Nearly 35% patients had concomitant diabetes. Median Bilirubin, AST, and ALT were 1.1 mg/dL, 42 IU/L and 44 IU/L, respectively. HCV-RNA was more than 5 log in 49/88(59%) patients. Median HCV-RNA was 6.5 × 10(5) IU/ml (Range 650 to >10 million IU/ml). Genotype-1 was the commonest genotype (30/56, 54%) followed by genotype-3 (17/56, 30%). CONCLUSION HCV infection is usually asymptomatic in patients with ESRD, however, it may lead to jaundice and decompensated liver disease. False negative anti-HCV is quite common. We found that genotype-1 was commoner than genotype-3 in our cohort of ESRD patients. Most of the patients have high viral load.
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Key Words
- ACLF, acute-on-chronic liver failure
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- ESRD
- ESRD, end stage renal disease
- GI, gastrointestinal
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HCV
- HCV, hepatitis C virus
- Hb, hemoglobin
- INR, international normalized ratio
- PT, prothrombin time
- RNA, ribonucleic acid
- RT, renal transplantation
- USG, ultrasonography
- genotype
- hemodialysis
- renal transplant
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Puri P, Anand AC, Saraswat VA, Acharya SK, Dhiman RK, Sarin SK, Singh SP, Chawla YK, Aggarwal R, Amarapurkar D, Arora A, Dixit VK, Sood A, Shah S, Duseja A, Kapoor D, Shalimar, Madan K, Pande G, Nagral A, Kar P, Koshy A, Puri AS, Eapen C, Thareja S. Indian National Association for Study of the Liver (INASL) Guidance for Antiviral Therapy Against HCV Infection in 2015. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2015; 5:221-38. [PMID: 26628840 PMCID: PMC4632106 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2015.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Overall prevalence of HCV infection in India has been estimated to be approximately 1.3% in the general population. Recent introduction of sofosbuvir in India at a relatively affordable price has led to great optimism about prospects of cure for these patients. This drug is likely to form the backbone of current and future treatment regimes for HCV infection, displacing pegylated interferon. Availability of directly acting antiviral drugs (DAAs) has necessitated revision of INASL guidelines for the treatment of HCV published in 2014, as has happened across the world. Current considerations for the treatment of HCV in India include the poorer response of genotype 3, nonavailability of many of the DAAs recommended by other guidelines and the cost of therapy. Since only one DAA, sofosbuvir, is available in India, only two sofosbuvir-based regimes are possible: either dual drug therapy in combination with ribavirin alone for 6 months or triple drug therapy in combination with ribavirin and pegylated interferon for 3 months. The utility of these regimes in various situations has been discussed. Availability of a few other newer DAAs, expected in 2016, is expected to lead to more widespread use of these agents. Current guidance will be updated once newer DAAs, newer evidence with DAAs and 'real-life experience' with use of DAAs accumulate in India.
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Key Words
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- ANC, absolute neutrophil count
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- CH-C, chronic hepatitis C
- CTP, Child-Turcotte Pugh
- DAA, directly acting antiviral agents
- EIA, enzyme immunoassay
- ESRD, end stage renal disease
- EVR, early virological response
- HCV
- HCV, hepatitis C virus
- HIV, human immunodeficiency virus
- IFN-α, interferon alfa
- INASL, Indian National Association for Study of the Liver
- PCR, polymerase chain reaction
- Peg-IFNα, pegylated interferon alfa
- RBV, ribavirin
- RVR, rapid virological response
- SOC, standard of care
- SVR, sustained virological response
- Sof, sofosbuvir
- ULN, upper limit of normal
- anti-HCV, antibody to HCV
- antiviral therapy
- chronic hepatitis
- hepatitis C virus
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Puri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune 411040, India
| | - Anil C. Anand
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi 110076, India
| | - Vivek A. Saraswat
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Subrat K. Acharya
- Department of Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Radha K. Dhiman
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Shiv K. Sarin
- Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, VasantKunj, New Delhi 110070, India
| | - Shivaram P. Singh
- Department of Gastroenterology, SCB Medical College, Cuttack 753007, India
| | - Yogesh K. Chawla
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Rakesh Aggarwal
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow 226014, India
| | | | - Anil Arora
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi 110060, India
| | - Vinod K. Dixit
- Department of Gastroenterology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Ajit Sood
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana 141001, India
| | - Samir Shah
- Department of Gastroenterology, Global Hospital, Mumbai 400078, India
| | - Ajay Duseja
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Dharmesh Kapoor
- Department of Gastroenterology, Global Hospital, Hyderabad 500004, India
| | - Shalimar
- Department of Gastroenterology, Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon 122001, India
| | - Kaushal Madan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon 122001, India
| | - Gaurav Pande
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Aabha Nagral
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai 400026, India
| | - Premashis Kar
- Department of Gastroenterology, LNJP Hospital, and Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi 110002, India
| | - Abraham Koshy
- Department of Hepatology, Lakeshore Hospital, Cochin 682304, India
| | - Amarender S. Puri
- Department of Gastroenterology, GB Pant Hospital, New Delhi 110002, India
| | - C.E. Eapen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Christian Medical College, Vellore 632004, India
| | - Sandeep Thareja
- Department of Gastroenterology, Army Hospital (R & R), New Delhi 110010, India
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12
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Yang L, Wu L, Fan Y, Ma J. Associations among four polymorphisms (BsmI, FokI, TaqI and ApaI) of vitamin D receptor gene and end-stage renal disease: a meta-analysis. Arch Med Res 2014; 46:1-7. [PMID: 25434518 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2014.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS To evaluate the association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) BsmI, FokI, TaqI and ApaI gene polymorphisms and the risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). METHODS All eligible studies were included in our meta-analysis of a search of the PubMed, Cochrane and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases according to predefined criteria. The fixed-effects or random-effects models were used to calculate the pooled odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS Thirteen studies including 1510 patients and 1812 controls were recruited for the analysis of the association between the VDR BsmI, FokI, TaqI and ApaI gene polymorphisms and the risk of ESRD.VDR BsmI B allele, BB genotype and bb genotype, FokI F allele, FF genotype and ff genotype, TaqI T allele, TT genotype and tt genotype, ApaI A allele, AA genotype and aa genotype were not associated with ESRD susceptibility for overall populations, Asians and Caucasians. CONCLUSIONS Results from the current study suggest that VDR BsmI, FokI, TaqI and ApaI gene polymorphisms are not associated with the risk of ESRD in the overall populations, Asians and Caucasians. However, more studies should be performed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Yang
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Lan Wu
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Yi Fan
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Jianfei Ma
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, PR China.
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Ramachandran J, Mahajan R, Basu G, Alagammai PL, Sivakumar J, Goel A, Abraham P, Tamilarasi V. Efficacy and safety of hepatitis C antiviral therapy in moderate and severe chronic kidney disease. Indian J Gastroenterol 2014; 33:471-5. [PMID: 25015745 DOI: 10.1007/s12664-014-0487-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Though indicated, antiviral therapy adds to the existing financial burden and is poorly tolerated in these patients. We studied HCV treatment outcomes in patients with moderate and severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) between June 2010 and June 2012. Out of 46 patients with CKD, only 16 (genotype 1:6, 3:9, indeterminate 1) received interferon treatment (conventional 9, pegylated 7; with low-dose ribavirin 5). End of treatment response was achieved in 50 % and sustained viral response in 44 %. Adverse effects such as tuberculosis, anemia, and cardiac failure resulting in discontinuation of therapy were seen in three. The dropout rate was 38 %. Though interferon therapy was efficacious and safe, it was received by only 35 % of patients with CKD. We suggest that antiviral therapy be offered under close monitoring in the absence of contraindications in patients with moderate and severe CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeyamani Ramachandran
- Department of Hepatology, Division of G.I. Sciences Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632 004, India,
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Puri P, Anand AC, Saraswat VA, Acharya SK, Sarin SK, Dhiman RK, Aggarwal R, Singh SP, Amarapurkar D, Arora A, Chhabra M, Chetri K, Choudhuri G, Dixit VK, Duseja A, Jain AK, Kapoor D, Kar P, Koshy A, Kumar A, Madan K, Misra SP, Prasad MV, Nagral A, Puri AS, Jeyamani R, Saigal S, Shah S, Sharma PK, Sood A, Thareja S, Wadhawan M. Consensus Statement of HCV Task Force of the Indian National Association for Study of the Liver (INASL). Part II: INASL Recommendations for Management of HCV in India. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2014; 4:117-40. [PMID: 25755549 PMCID: PMC4116713 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2014.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The estimated prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in India is between 0.5 and 1.5% with hotspots showing much higher prevalence in some areas of northeast India, in some tribal populations and in certain parts of Punjab. Genotype 3 is the most prevalent type of infection. Recent years have seen development of a large number of new molecules that are revolutionizing the treatment of hepatitis C. Some of the new directly acting agents (DAAs) like sofosbuvir have been called game-changers because they offer the prospect of interferon-free regimens for the treatment of HCV infection. These new drugs have not yet been approved in India and their cost and availability is uncertain at present. Till these drugs become available at an affordable cost, the treatment that was standard of care for the whole world before these newer drugs were approved should continue to be recommended. For India, cheaper options, which are as effective as the standard-of-care (SOC) in carefully selected patients, are also explored to bring treatment within reach of poorer patients. It may be prudent to withhold treatment at present for selected patients with genotype 1 or 4 infection and low levels of fibrosis (F1 or F2), and for patients who are non-responders to initial therapy, interferon intolerant, those with decompensated liver disease, and patients in special populations such as stable patients after liver and kidney transplantation, HIV co-infected patients and those with cirrhosis of liver.
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Key Words
- ALT, alanine amintraonsferase
- ANC, absolute neutrophil count
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- CH–C, Chronic Hepatitis C
- CKD, chronic kidney disease
- CTP, Child-Turcotte-Pugh
- EIA, enzyme immunoassay
- ETR, end-of-treatment response
- EVR, early virological response
- GRADE, Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation
- HCV, hepatitis C virus
- HIV, Human immunodeficiency virus
- IFNa, interferon alfa
- INASL, Indian National Association for Study of the Liver
- PCR, polymerase chain reaction
- Peg-IFNa, pegylated interferon alfa
- RBV, Ribavirin
- RVR, rapid virological response
- SOC, standard of care
- SVR, sustained virological response
- ULN, upper limit of normal
- anti-HCV, antibody to HCV
- antiviral therapy
- chronic hepatitis
- hepatitis C virus
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Puri
- Department of Gastroenterology, Army Hospital (R & R), New Delhi 110010, India
| | - Anil C. Anand
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi 110076, India
| | - Vivek A. Saraswat
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical, Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 221016, India
| | - Subrat K. Acharya
- Department of Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Shiv K. Sarin
- Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070, India
| | - Radha K. Dhiman
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and, Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Rakesh Aggarwal
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical, Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 221016, India
| | - Shivaram P. Singh
- Department of Gastroenterology, SCB Medical College, Cuttack, Odisha 753007, India
| | - Deepak Amarapurkar
- Department of Gastroenterology, Bombay Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400020, India
| | - Anil Arora
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi 110060, India
| | - Mohinish Chhabra
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fortis Hospital, Mohali, Punjab 160047, India
| | - Kamal Chetri
- Department of Gastroenterology, International Hospital, Guwahati, Assam 781005, India
| | - Gourdas Choudhuri
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fortis Hospital, Gurgaon, Haryana 122002, India
| | - Vinod K. Dixit
- Department of Gastroenterology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Ajay Duseja
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and, Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Ajay K. Jain
- Department of Gastroenterology, Choithram Hospital & Research Centre, Indore, Madhya Pradesh 452014, India
| | - Dharmesh Kapoor
- Department of Gastroenterology, Global Hospital, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh 500004, India
| | - Premashis Kar
- Department of Gastroenterology, LNJP Hospital, and Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi 110002, India
| | - Abraham Koshy
- Department of Hepatology, Lakeshore Hospital, Cochin, Kerala 682304, India
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi 110060, India
| | - Kaushal Madan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medanta Medicity, Gurgaon, Haryana 122001, India
| | - Sri P. Misra
- Department of Gastroenterology, Moti Lal Nehru Medical College, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh 211001 India
| | - Mohan V.G. Prasad
- Department of Gastroenterology, VGM Hospital, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641005, India
| | - Aabha Nagral
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400026, India
| | - Amarendra S. Puri
- Department of Gastroenterology, GB Pant Hospital, New Delhi 110002, India
| | - R. Jeyamani
- Department of Gastroenterology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632004, India
| | - Sanjiv Saigal
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medanta Medicity, Gurgaon, Haryana 122001, India
| | - Samir Shah
- Department of Gastroenterology, Global Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400078, India
| | - Praveen K. Sharma
- Department of Medicine, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra 411040, India
| | - Ajit Sood
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, Punjab 141001, India
| | - Sandeep Thareja
- Department of Gastroenterology, Army Hospital (R & R), New Delhi 110010, India
| | - Manav Wadhawan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi 110076, India
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Dixit VK, Ghosh JK, Lamtha SC, Kaushik P, Goyal SK, Behera MK, Singh N, Jain AK. Clinical Profile and Response to Treatment with Pegylated Interferon α 2b and Ribavirin in Chronic Hepatitis C-A Reappraisal from a Tertiary Care Center in Northern India. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2014; 4:101-5. [PMID: 25755547 PMCID: PMC4116705 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2014.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess the clinical profile of 80 chronic hepatitis C patients in a tertiary health care center in Northern India and also to study the efficacy and tolerability of pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) α 2b and ribavirin therapy in a cohort of chronic hepatitis C patients. METHODS Thirty subjects with chronic hepatitis C (CH-C) with genotypes 2 and 3 received Peg-IFN α 2b 1.5 μg/kg subcutaneously weekly plus daily ribavirin 800 mg for 24 weeks .Subjects with genotype 1 infection received therapy for 48 weeks with ribavirin 1000 mg/day and Peg-IFN α 2b dose remained the same. The primary end point was the sustained viral response (SVR). Drug dosage was modified or temporarily discontinued if anemia or bone marrow suppression developed. RESULTS The clinical profile of chronic hepatitis C infected patients showed decompensated cirrhosis in the more elderly patients. Genotype 3 was the commonest genotype and was seen in 21 (70%) patients. The mean baseline HCV RNA was high. SVR was achieved less commonly with genotype 1 than with genotype 2/3. Patients who became negative for HCV RNA at 4-weeks (rapid virological response or RVR) and 12 weeks (early virological response or EVR) of treatment showed significantly higher sustained virological response (SVR) rates. Similarly, patients who showed normalization of ALT level at 4-weeks and 12-weeks of treatment showed significant high rate of SVR. Overall treatment was well tolerated. CONCLUSION In our region, CHC subjects have high viral load and genotype 3 being the most common. Treatment with Peg-IFN α 2b and ribavirin is effective and well tolerated. Genotype 1 was more resistant to the treatment. Patients who achieved RVR and EVR are more likely to achieve SVR. Although the numbers of patients in this study was small, considering the paucity of data of treatment from India, the data is relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinod K. Dixit
- Address for correspondence: Vinod K. Dixit, Professor, Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India. Tel.: +91 9415202449 (mobile).
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