Safety and efficacy of current direct-acting antiviral regimens in kidney and liver transplant recipients with hepatitis C: Results from the HCV-TARGET study

Infections After Liver Transplant -Timeline, Management and Prevention

Liver transplantation (LT) is the standard treatment for end- stage liver disease. Patient and graft survival have improved significantly in the last three decades owing to improvement in surgical technique, better perioperative management and better immunosuppressive regimens. However, LT recipients are at increased risk of infections, particularly in the first year after transplantation. The risk of infection is directly proportional to immunosuppressive regimen and graft function. In this review, we will briefly discuss the timeline of infections after liver transplant, preventive strategies and management of infectious complications.

Using HCV-viremic organs for lung transplantation does not confer higher rejection rates compared to HCV-negative organs

BACKGROUND

National data demonstrate that hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected organ donors are increasingly being used in the US, including for lung transplantation. We aimed to assess whether there were any differences in the acute or chronic rejection rates at 1 year following lung transplantation from HCV-viremic versus uninfected donors.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all lung transplant recipients at our institution from April 1, 2017 to October 1, 2020 and then assessed various outcomes between those who received a transplant from HCV-viremic donors versus HCV-negative donors. Primary outcome was to determine if there was a higher incidence of acute and/or chronic allograft rejection when using HCV NAT+ lung donation. We carried out univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

We transplanted 135 patients during the study period, including 18 from HCV-viremic donors. Standard induction therapy with basiliximab and maintenance triple drug immunosuppression was utilized per UC San Diego protocol. All 17 patients receiving HCV-viremic organs developed acute HCV infection and were treated in the postoperative period with 12 weeks of direct acting antivirals (DAA). HCV genotypes included 1, 2, and 3. DAA used included glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (12), sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (1), and ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (2) with drug choice determined by patient's medical insurance coverage. Sustained virological response at 12 weeks after end of DAA therapy (SVR12), indicative of a cure, was achieved in all (100%) recipients. No recipient had a serious adverse event related to HCV infection. The lung transplant recipient (LTR) HCV-viremic donors had lower rates of clinically significant rejection (5.9% vs. 11% LTR HCV-nonviremic donors), and no chronic lung allograft dysfunction at 1 year (vs. 5.9% LTR HCV-nonviremic donors). One-year survival was 100% in the LTR HCV-viremic donors compared to 95.8% in the LTR HCV-nonviremic donors.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate the feasibility and success of using HCV NAT + donors with excellent results and without a higher incidence of rejection. Longer term follow-up and a larger sample size are needed to allow this to be a more widely accepted practice for lung transplant programs and payors.

Long-Term Impact of Direct-Acting Antivirals on Liver Fibrosis and Survival in HCV-Infected Liver Transplant Recipients

(1) Background: Little is known about the long-term impact of sustained virological response (SVR) on fibrosis progression and patient survival in liver transplantation (LT) recipients treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). We investigated liver fibrosis evolution and patient survival in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients receiving DAAs after LT. (2) Methods: All consecutive HCV-infected patients treated with DAAs after LT between May 2014 and January 2019 were considered. The clinical and virological features were registered at the baseline and during the follow-up. The liver fibrosis was assessed by liver biopsy and/or transient elastography (TE) at the baseline and at least 1 year after the end of treatment (EoT). (3) Results: A total of 136 patients were included. The SVR12 was 78% after the first treatment and 96% after retreatment. After the SVR12, biochemical tests improved at the EoT and remained stable throughout the 3-year follow-up. Liver fibrosis improved after the SVR12 (p < 0.001); nearly half of the patients with advanced liver fibrosis experienced an improvement of an F ≤ 2. The factors associated with lower survival in SVR12 patients were the baseline platelet count (p = 0.04) and creatinine level (p = 0.04). (4) Conclusions: The long-term follow-up data demonstrated that SVR12 was associated with an improvement in hepatic function, liver fibrosis, and post-LT survival, regardless of the baseline liver fibrosis. The presence of portal hypertension before the DAAs has an impact on patient survival, even after SVR12.

Hepatitis C Guidance 2023 Update: AASLD-IDSA Recommendations for Testing, Managing, and Treating Hepatitis C Virus Infection

The Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases have collaboratively developed evidence-based guidance regarding the diagnosis, management, and treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection since 2013. A panel of clinicians and investigators with extensive infectious diseases or hepatology expertise specific to HCV infection periodically review evidence from the field and update existing recommendations or introduce new recommendations as evidence warrants. This update focuses on changes to the guidance since the previous 2020 published update, including ongoing emphasis on recommended universal screening; management recommendations for incomplete treatment adherence; expanded eligibility for simplified chronic HCV infection treatment in adults with minimal monitoring; updated treatment and retreatment recommendations for children as young as 3 years old; management and treatment recommendations in the transplantation setting; and screening, treatment, and management recommendations for unique and key populations.

Newly diagnosed hepatitis C infection after pancreas transplantation with multiple treatment failures

This case represents the first report of a detected hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection following a pancreas transplantation that failed two different sofosbuvir (SOF)-based treatments. We present the case of a woman in her 30s with a history of kidney transplantation, who developed viremic symptoms 3 months after pancreas transplantation and with two subsequent negative HCV antibody tests. Further work-up revealed a positive HCV RNA test (genotype 1A, treatment naive). Two different direct-acting antiviral agents regimes with SOF failed in our case, and the patient achieved a sustained virological response with a 16-week course of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir.

Efficacy and Safety of Sofosbuvir-based Regimens in Hepatitis C Patients With Decompensated Cirrhosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Decompensated cirrhotic patients with hepatitis C (HCV) are often under-represented in clinical trials. We aimed to evaluate pooled data on the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir (SOF)-based regimens in these patients.

METHODS

We conducted a systemic review and meta-analysis by searching multiple databases for studies published from October 2010 to October 2020. Outcomes of interest were sustained virologic response (SVR) and safety of SOF-based regimens in decompensated HCV patients. Two reviewers independently performed the study selection and data extraction.

RESULTS

We included 33 studies that enrolled 5,302 HCV patients. The pooled SVR rate in decompensated patients with SOF-based regimens was 85.1% (95% CI: 82.8-87.3). Patients on SOF/velpatasvir±ribavirin achieved a significantly higher SVR (91.0%, 95% CI: 87.7-93.9) than that of SOF/ledipasvir±ribavirin [(86.3%, 95% CI: 84.6-87.8); p=0.004)], or on SOF/daclatasvir±ribavirin (82.4%, 95% CI: 78.2-86.2%; p<0.001). Adding ribavirin to SOF-based regimens (pooled SVR 84.9%, 95% CI: 81.7-87.9) did not significantly increase the SVR [(83.8% (95% CI: 76.8-89.8%; p=0.76)] in decompensated patients, which was also true in subgroup analyses for each regimen within the same treatment duration. However, adding ribavirin significantly increased the frequency of adverse events from 52.9% (95% CI: 28.0-77.1) to 89.2% (95% CI: 68.1-99.9) and frequency of severe events. The pooled incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma and case-fatality of decompensated patients were 3.1% (95% CI: 1.5-5.0) and 4.6% (95% CI: 3.1-6.3), respectively. The overall heterogeneity was high. There was no publication bias.

CONCLUSIONS

The analysis found that 12 weeks of SOF/velpatasvir without ribavirin is the preferred therapy, with a significantly higher SVR compared with other SOF-based regimens in decompensated HCV patients.

A Systematic Review of Direct-Acting Antivirals for Hepatitis C in Advanced CKD

Introduction

Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have improved treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). To facilitate the 2022 update of the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guideline for CKD patients with HCV, we systematically reviewed DAA regimens in patients with CKD stages G4 and G5 nondialysis (G4-G5ND), CKD stage G5 on dialysis (G5D), and kidney transplant recipients (KTRs).

Methods

We conducted a systematic review by searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.gov through February 1, 2022, and conferences from 2019 to 2021. Studies of HCV-infected patients with CKD G4-G5ND, G5D, and KTRs treated with specified DAA regimens were included. Outcomes included death at 6 months or later, sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR12), serious adverse events (SAEs) attributed to DAA, and treatment discontinuation because of adverse events. Maximum likelihood meta-analyses were determined; certainty of evidence was assessed per GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation).

Results

We identified 106 eligible studies (22 reported on CKD G4-G5ND, 69 on CKD G5D, and 29 on KTRs). In each population, the majority of DAA regimens achieved SVR12 ≥ 93%. We found generally low quality of evidence of low risk of SAEs (mostly 0%, up to 2.9%) and low risk of discontinuation because of adverse events (mostly 0%-5%). Across 3 unadjusted observational studies in KTRs, the risk of death after DAA treatment was substantially lower than without treatment (summary odds ratio, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.04-0.61).

Conclusion

Combination DAA regimens are safe and highly effective in patients with advanced CKD, on dialysis, and with kidney transplants.

The art of managing hepatitis C virus in special population groups: a paradigm shift

The first direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications were approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) in 2011. Later, the appearance of novel DAAs had revolutionized the landscape of HCV treatment whose early treatment options were limited to interferon (IFN) either alone or in combinations. This review discusses the paradigm shift in legibility for treating different groups of patients with HCV after the introduction of DAAs, along with the consequent changes in treatment guidelines. IFN-based therapy was the firstly used for treating chronic HCV. Unfortunately, it exhibited many pitfalls, such as low efficacy in some patients and unsuitability for usage in lots of patients with some specific conditions, which could be comorbidities such as autoimmune thyroiditis, or liver related as in decompensated cirrhosis. Furthermore, IFN failed to treat all the extrahepatic manifestations of HCV. Nowadays, the breakthroughs brought by DAAs have benefited the patients and enabled the treatment of those who could not be treated or did not usually respond well to IFN. DAAs achieve a high success rate of HCV eradication in addition to avoiding unfavorable harms and, sometimes, adverse effects related to the previously used PEGylated IFN regimens.

Effectiveness of Direct-acting Agents After Liver Transplantation and Regression of Biomarkers Post-HCV Treatment: A Real-life Study in Rio de Janeiro

BACKGROUND

Data concerning hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment using direct-acting agents (DAAs) post liver transplantation (LT) remains scarce in low- and average-income countries.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of post-LT HCV treatment using DAAs in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), and to assess the course of hepatic biomarkers after sustained virological response (SVR).

METHODS

Data from LT recipients with recurrent HCV treated using DAAs was retrospectively analyzed. HCV was defined by detectable HCV-RNA with elevated aminotransferases and/or histological signs of infection on liver biopsy post LT. SVR was defined as undetectable HCV-RNA 12 weeks after the end of treatment. Aspartate-to-Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) and Fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4) were calculated before treatment and after SVR.

RESULTS

116 patients (63% male, median age 62 years, 75% genotype 1 and 62% with hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC] prior to LT) were included. Cirrhosis was identified in the allograft of 21 subjects (18%). The overall SVR was 96.6% without differences in SVR proportion according to clinical/demographic characteristics, genotype or presence of cirrhosis. SVR rates were similar in individuals with and without HCC pre-LT (95.8% [95% CI: 87.6-98.7] vs. 97.7% [95% CI: 85.0-99.7%], p = 0.588). No serious adverse events were observed and the use of ribavirin was associated with at least one adverse event (OR = 8.71 [95% CI: 3.17-23.99]). SVR was associated with regression of APRI (OR = 26.00 [95% CI 4.27-1065.94]) and FIB-4 (OR = 15.00 [95% CI: 2.30-631.47]).

CONCLUSION

Post-LT HCV treatment with DAAs was safe and effective and associated with a significant decrease in hepatic biomarker levels after SVR.

Precision Medicine: Determination of Ribavirin Urinary Metabolites in Relation to Drug Adverse Effects in HCV Patients

The most commonly used antiviral treatment against hepatitis C virus is a combination of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) and ribavirin (RBV), which leads to a shortened duration of therapy and a sustained virologic response until 98%. Nonetheless, several dose-related side effects of RBV could limit its applications. This study aims to measure the urinary concentration of RBV and its main metabolites in order to evaluate the drug metabolism ability of HCV patients and to evaluate the adverse effects, such as anemia, with respect to RBV metabolite levels. RBV and its proactive and inactive metabolites were identified and quantified in the urine of 17 HCV males with severe liver fibrosis using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) at the fourth week (TW4) and at the twelfth week of treatment (EOT). Four prodrug urinary metabolites, including RBV, were identified and three of them were quantified. At both the TW4 and EOT stages, six HCV patients were found to maintain high concentrations of RBV, while another six patients maintained a high level of RBV proactive metabolites, likely due to nucleosidase activity. Furthermore, a negative correlation between the reduction in hemoglobin (Hb) and proactive forms was observed, according to RBV-triphosphate accumulation causing the hemolysis. These findings represent a proof of concept regarding tailoring the drug dose in relation to the specific metabolic ability of the individual, as expected by the precision medicine approach.

Impact of utilization of hepatitis C positive organs in liver transplant: Analysis of united network for organ sharing database

BACKGROUND

The utility of hepatitis C virus (HCV) organs has increased after the Food and Drug Administration approval of direct acting anti-viral (DAA) medications for the HCV treatment. The efficacy of DAA in treating HCV is nearly 100%.

AIM

To analyze the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database to compare the survival rates between the hepatitis C positive donors and negative recipients and hepatitis C negative donors and recipients.

METHODS

We analyzed the adult patients in UNOS database who underwent deceased donor liver transplant from January 2014 to December 2017. The primary endpoint was to compare the survival rates among the four groups with different hepatitis C donor and recipient status: (Group 1) Both donor and recipient negative for HCV (Group 2) Negative donor and positive recipient for HCV (Group 3) Positive donor and negative recipient for HCV (Group 4) Both positive donor and recipient for HCV. SAS 9.4 software was used for the data analysis. Kaplan Meier log rank test was used to analyze the estimated survival rates among the four groups.

RESULTS

A total of 24512 patients were included: Group 1: 16436, Group 2: 6174, Group 3: 253 and Group 4: 1649. The 1-year (Group 1: 91.8%, Group 2: 92.12%, Group 3: 87%, Group 4: 92.8%), 2-year (Group 1: 88.4%, Group 2: 88.1%, Group 3: 84.3%, Group 4: 87.5%), 3-year (Group 1: 84.9%, Group 2: 84.3%, Group 3: 75.9%, Group 4: 83.2%) survival rates showed no statistical significance among the four groups. Kaplan Meier log rank test did not show any statistical significance difference in the estimated survival rates between Group 3 vs all the other groups.

CONCLUSION

The survival rates in hepatitis C positive donors and negative recipients are similar as compared to both hepatitis C negative donors and recipients. This could be due to the use of DAA therapy with cure rates of nearly 100%. This study supports the use of hepatitis C positive organs in the selected group of recipients with and without HCV infection. Further long-term studies are needed to further validate these findings.

Revolution in the diagnosis and management of hepatitis C virus infection in current era

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major global public health problem, particularly in developing part of the world. Significant advances have been made in the early diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Its management has been particularly revolutionized during the past two decades. In this review, we summarize the major advances in the diagnostic and management armamentarium for chronic HCV infection. The focus of the present review is on the newer directly acting anti-viral agents, which have revolutionized the management of chronic HCV infection. Management of uncomplicated chronic HCV infection and of specific complications and special at-risk populations of patients will be covered in detail. Despite the advent and approval of highly effective and well tolerable oral agents, still many challenges remain, particularly the affordability, the equitable distribution and access to later drugs. The World Health Organization aims to eliminate viral hepatitis including HCV by 2030 since its poses a major public health threat. There is an urgent need to ensure uniform and early access to diagnostic and therapeutic facilities throughout the world if the later goal has to be realized.

Evaluating Outcomes Related to Donor and Recipient Metabolic Environment: Macrosteatotic Allografts and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

The increasing prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) affects both recipient and donor populations in liver transplantation. Presently, it is unclear whether transplantation of macrosteatotic allografts is affected by the metabolic milieu of liver transplant recipients. This study investigates fatty liver disease at the intersection of donor and recipient. A retrospective review of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation database identified 5167 NASH and 26,289 non-NASH transplant recipients who received transplants from January 1, 2004, to June 12, 2020. A total of 12,569 donors had allografts with no macrosteatosis (<5%), 16,140 had mild macrosteatosis (5%-29%), and 2747 had moderate to severe macrosteatosis (≥30%). Comparing recipients with NASH to propensity score-matched (PSM) recipients without NASH demonstrated noninferior graft and patient survival up to 10 years in patients with NASH. Similar trends were observed in subgroup analyses of transplants within each strata of allograft macrosteatosis. Assessing allograft macrosteatosis specifically in the NASH population demonstrated that allografts with ≥30% macrosteatosis were associated with reduced early graft survival (30 days, 93.32% versus 96.54% [P = 0.02]; 1 year, 84.53% versus 88.99% [P = 0.05]) compared with PSM grafts with <30% macrosteatosis. Long-term graft survival at 5 and 10 years, however, was similar. The use of carefully selected macrosteatotic allografts can be successful in both recipients with NASH and recipients without NASH. The metabolic environment of patients with NASH does not appear to adversely affect outcomes with regard to the allograft when controlled for numerous confounders. It is, however, important to remain cognizant of the potential for high-risk macrosteatotic allografts to negatively affect outcomes.

Outcomes of hepatitis C virus seropositive donors to hepatitis C virus seronegative liver recipients: A large single center analysis

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

The success of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) has transformed the management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and has led to the expansion of the deceased donor organ pool for liver transplantation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We present a single center retrospective review of liver transplantations performed on HCV-seronegative recipients from HCV-seropositive organs from 11/2017 to 05/2020. HCV nucleic acid testing (NAT) was performed on HCV-seropositive donors to assess active HCV infection.

RESULTS

42 HCV-seronegative recipients underwent a liver transplant from a HCV-seropositive donor, including 21 NAT negative (20 liver, 1 simultaneous liver kidney transplant) and 21 NAT positive liver transplants. Two (9.5%) HCV antibody positive/NAT negative recipients developed HCV viremia and achieved sustained virologic response with DAA therapy. The remaining patients with available data (19 patients) remained polymerase chain reaction (PCR) negative at 6 months. 20 (95%) of HCV antibody positive/NAT positive recipients had a confirmed HCV viremia. 100% of patients with available data (15 patients) achieved SVR. Observed events include 1 mortality and graft loss and equivalent rates of post-transplant complications between NAT positive and NAT negative recipients.

CONCLUSIONS

HCV-seropositive organs can be safely transplanted into HCV-seronegative patients with minimal complications post-transplant.

Hepatitis C Virus Treatment and Solid Organ Transplantation

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a common indication for liver transplantation. If the patient's HCV is untreated prior to liver transplant, infection of the allograft is nearly universal and can lead to graft failure. The demand for deceased-donor organ transplantation continues to surpass the available supply of donor organs. Waitlist mortality remains an important concern, and several strategies have been enacted to increase organ supply, such as using high-risk donors, including those who are HCV positive. The development of safe and highly effective HCV therapy with direct-acting antiviral agents has revolutionized the management of liver transplant candidates and transplantrecipients. Moreover, thenewer antiviral therapieshave paved the road for use of HCV-viremic organs, effectively expanding the donor pool and changing the landscape of solid organ transplantation. This article reviews the data on HCV treatment prior to and after organ transplantation.

Treatment with Grazoprevir/Elbasvir in Post-kidney Transplant Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 4 Infection

Background: Kidney transplant (KT) recipients have a high rate of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, which can impact long-term graft and patient survival rates. Although direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are effective for treating HCV, there is limited data on their use in post-KT patients with HCV genotype 4 infection. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness and occurrence of adverse events with grazoprevir/elbasvir combination treatment without ribavirin in post-KT patients with HCV genotype 4 infection. Methods: In this case series, nine therapy-naïve adult post-KT patients with HCV genotype 4 infection were recruited. They had stable graft function and received a fixed dose of grazoprevir/elbasvir (50 mg/100 mg) combination without ribavirin daily for 12 weeks. Patients co-infected with hepatitis B virus, HIV, or with evidence of decompensated liver disease were excluded from the study. Patients were monitored for viral load, laboratory values, and adverse events associated with drug treatment. The response was defined by the sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR12) after the end of treatment. Results: All nine patients completed the treatment period and achieved SVR12 with no treatment failure or relapse. Of them, six patients had HCV genotype 4 infection alone, and three had HCV of mixed genotypes 1 and 4. Two (22%) patients showed a rapid HCV clearance at four weeks. No adverse events or serious adverse events were reported. The patients’ renal function was stable during and after the treatment with no deterioration of graft function, and no adjustments to the immunosuppressive therapy were required. Conclusions: Grazoprevir/elbasvir combination without ribavirin is an effective and safe treatment option for post-KT patients with genotype 4 HCV infection.

Distinct Immune Imprints of Post-Liver Transplantation Hepatitis C Persist Despite Viral Clearance

Recurrence or de novo infection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) after liver transplantation (LT) has been associated with progressive graft hepatitis that can be improved by treatment with novel direct-acting antivirals. Cases of rejection episodes have been described during and after HCV treatment. The evolution of innate and adaptive immune response during and after cure of HCV LT is unknown. We studied 74 protein biomarkers in the plasma of LT patients receiving antiviral therapy. In addition, deep immune phenotyping of both the myeloid and lymphoid immune cell subsets in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was performed. We found that LT patients with active HCV infection displayed distinct alterations of inflammatory protein biomarkers, such as C-X-Cmotif chemokine 10 (CXCL10), caspase 8, C-C motif chemokine 20 (CCL20), CCL19, interferon γ, CUB domain-containing protein 1 (CDCP1), interleukin (IL)-18R1, CXCL11, CCL3, IL8, IL12B, tumor necrosis factor-beta, CXCL6, osteoprotegerin, IL10, fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand, hepatocyte growth factor, urokinase-type plasminogen activator, neurotrophin-3, CCL4, IL6, tumornecrosis factor receptor superfamily member 9, programmed death ligand 1, IL18, and monocyte chemotactic protein 1, and enrichment of peripheral immune cell subsets unlike patients without HCV infection who received transplants. Interestingly, patients who cleared HCV after LT did not normalize the altered inflammatory milieu nor did the peripheral immune cell subsets normalize to what would be seen in the absence of HCV recurrence. Overall, these data indicate that HCV-specific imprints on inflammatory analytes and immune cell subsets after LT are not completely normalized by therapy-induced HCV elimination. This is in line with the clinical observation that cure of HCV after LT did not trigger rejection episodes in many patients.

Progress in hepatitis C virus management in chronic kidney disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The current review highlights advances in the use of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents in the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages G4-5, end-stage renal disease, and kidney transplantation. The use of DAA to facilitate kidney transplantation of HCV negative recipients with kidneys from HCV-infected donors and in the management of HCV-related cryoglobulinemia are also reviewed.

RECENT FINDINGS

DAA treatment results in rates of viral clearance (sustained virological response or SVR) of 90-100% in all studied CKD populations, comparable to SVR rates in the general population. DAA treatment allows safe and effective transplantation of HCV viremic kidneys into uninfected recipients.

SUMMARY

The high SVR results achieved with DAA allow successful treatment of previously under-treated CKD populations, and encouraged innovative interventions such as the use of HCV-infected donor kidneys to uninfected kidney transplant recipients.

Pancreas transplantation from hepatitis C viremic donors to uninfected recipients

Despite utilization of hepatitis C viremic organs for hepatitis C naïve recipients (HCV D+/R-) in other solid organ transplants, HCV viremic pancreata remain an unexplored source of donor organs. This study reports the first series of HCV D+/R- pancreas transplants. HCV D+/R- had shorter waitlist times compared to HCV D-/R-, waiting a mean of 16 days from listing for HCV-positive organs. HCV D+/R- had a lower match allocation sequence than HCV D-/R-, and this correlated with receipt of organs with a lower Pancreas Donor Risk Index (PDRI) score. All HCV D+/R- had excellent graft function with a mean follow-up of 438 days and had undetectable HCV RNA levels by a mean of 23 days after initiation of HCV-directed therapy. The rates of infectious complications, reoperation, readmission, rejection, and length of stay were not impacted by donor HCV status. A national review of potential ideal pancreas donors found that 37% of ideal HCV-negative pancreas allografts were transplanted, compared to only 5% of ideal HCV-positive pancreas allografts. The results of the current study demonstrate the safety of accepting HCV-positive pancreata for HCV-naïve recipients and advocates for increased utilization of ideal HCV-positive pancreas allografts.

Advances in the Management of Renal Dysfunction in Patients With Cirrhosis

Renal dysfunction frequently develops in patients with advanced liver disease. Renal dysfunction in this setting is associated with adverse outcomes and an unfavorable prognosis. Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), defined as worsening renal function in patients with advanced cirrhosis that can present either acutely (<3 months) or more indolently in the absence of other etiologies, remains a common cause of acute kidney injury. If reversal is not promptly achieved, rapid decline to mortality is common. Volume expansion and vasoconstrictors are the mainstays of therapy. Terlipressin, a vasopressin analogue licensed in several countries but not in the United States, is currently used for the treatment of HRS. Timely liver transplantation remains the only effective therapeutic option for a large group of patients with persistent renal dysfunction despite pharmacotherapy. In patients with underlying chronic renal dysfunction, simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation should be considered. The aim of this article is to present an overview of renal dysfunction in patients with cirrhosis, including diagnosis and management.

Hepatitis C-Positive Donors in Cardiac Transplantation: Problems and Opportunities

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

With the growing need for donor hearts and longer transplant waiting lists, there is a growing interest in expanding the donor pool by reconsidering previously excluded donor candidates. There has been an increase in solid organ availability due to drug overdose deaths in the setting of the recent opioid epidemic. However, these donors often have transmissible infections such as hepatitis C. In this review, we discuss the challenges associated with heart transplantation from hepatitis C-infected donors as well as the recent advancements that are making the use of these organs possible.

RECENT FINDINGS

With the introduction and widespread use of nucleic acid testing (NAT), the ability to distinguish viremic donors and those that have cleared the virus has become a reality. In addition, with the emergence of direct antiviral agents, there is an increase in data showing the short-term outcomes and success of hepatitis C treatment for recipients of viremic donor hearts. As techniques to distinguish donor hepatitis C infection status and successful treatments emerge, the percentage of accepted hepatitis C donor hearts is increasing. A number of studies showing success with hepatitis C organ transplants present a promising new avenue for organ procurement essential to meet the increasing demand for donor hearts.

Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized Trial of Emricasan in Hepatitis C-Treated Liver Transplant Recipients With Residual Fibrosis or Cirrhosis

Despite achieving sustained virologic response (SVR) to hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy, there remains a post liver transplantation population with advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis. Emricasan is an orally active, pan-caspase inhibitor that suppresses apoptosis and inflammation, potentially decreasing hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of emricasan (IDN-6556-07) in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter study in reducing or preventing the progression of hepatic fibrosis in HCV liver transplant recipients with residual fibrosis or cirrhosis after achieving SVR. A total of 64 participants were randomly assigned to receive 25 mg twice daily of emricasan or placebo in a 2:1 ratio for 24 months. 41 participants were randomly assigned to emricasan and 23 to placebo; 32 participants in the emricasan group (78.0%) and 19 who took a placebo (82.6%) completed the study. There was no difference in the primary endpoint (Ishak fibrosis stages F2-F5, improvement in fibrosis or stability; Ishak fibrosis stage F6, improvement) between the emricasan (77.1%) and placebo groups (74.1%); P = NS. There was no difference between the emricasan (54.5%) and placebo (60.7%) arms in the rate of fibrosis improvement alone. However, those in the prespecified F3 to F5 subgroup had higher rates of stability or improvement in fibrosis in the emricasan group (95.2%) compared with placebo (54.6%) (P = 0.01). The tolerability and safety profiles were similar in both groups. In conclusion, overall stability in the Ishak fibrosis stage was similar between emricasan and placebo groups at 24 months. However, there was improvement and/or stability in fibrosis stage in the prespecified F3 to F5 subgroup with emricasan versus placebo, suggesting that patients with moderate fibrosis may benefit with emricasan.

Liver Transplantation Using Hepatitis C Virus-Viremic Donors Into Hepatitis C Virus-Aviremic Recipients as Standard of Care

Liver transplantation (LT) using allografts from hepatitis C virus (HCV)-viremic/nucleic acid testing-positive donors' (DNAT+) organs into HCV-aviremic recipients (rHCV-) has been limited owing to nearly universal HCV transmission and concerns regarding availability, safety, and efficacy post-LT with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. We report our experience of LT using DNAT+ organs into rHCV- as a routine standard of care. Following verification of DAA access, absence of critical drug-drug interactions (DDIs) with DAAs, and informed consent, allocated DNAT+ organs were offered to patients on the waiting list for LT irrespective of recipient HCV status. Between June 2018 and December 2019, 292/339 rHCV- received an LT. Forty-seven patients were excluded from analysis because of recipient HCV viremia, refusal to receive DNAT+ organs, or inability to receive DAA therapy post-LT. Of these 292 patients, 61 rHCV- received DNAT+ livers (study group), and 231 rHCV- received DNAT- (aviremic donors [nuclear acid test-negative donors]) livers (control group). Recipient and donor characteristics as well as 1-year post-LT patient and graft survival were similar between groups. In the study group, 4 patients died, and 1 patient required retransplantation within the first year post-LT (all unrelated to HCV); 56 patients received DAA therapy, with a median time from LT to the start of DAA treatment of 66.9 days (interquartile range [IQR], 36-68.5), and 51 patients completed DAA treatment, all achieving sustained virologic response for 12 or more weeks (SVR-12) (1 patient required retreatment owing to relapse following initial DAA therapy). No patients had evidence of fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis or extrahepatic manifestations of HCV. This report indicates that transplantation of DNAT+ livers into rHCV- and subsequent DAA therapy is associated with clinical outcomes comparable to those achieved with DNAT- allografts.

Direct-Acting Antivirals and Organ Transplantation: Is There Anything We Can't Do?

The opioid epidemic has resulted in an increase in organ donors with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the United States. With the development of direct-acting antiviral regimens that offer high sustained virologic response rates even in the setting of immunosuppression after transplantation, these HCV-viremic organs are now being offered to transplant candidates with or without preexisting HCV infection. Strategies for HCV treatment with HCV-viremic organs have included delayed and preemptive approaches. This review will discuss key studies in the different solid organ transplants, recent reports of adverse events, and ethical and regulatory considerations. The efficacy of current HCV therapies has created this important opportunity to improve survival for patients with end-organ failure through greater access to organ transplantation and decreased waitlist mortality rate.

Metabolism of Direct-acting Antiviral Agents (DAAs) in Hepatitis C Therapy: A Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is still one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease, with chronically infected making up approximately 1% of the global population. Of those infected, 70% (55-85%) will develop chronic HCV infection. Chronic HCV infection causes substantial morbidity and mortality, with complications including cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, and eventually death.

OBJECTIVE

Therapeutic options for chronic HCV infection have evolved dramatically since 2014, with a translation from pegylated interferon and ribavirin (associated with suboptimal cure and high treatment-related toxicity) to oral direct-acting antiviral treatment. There are four classes of direct-acting antivirals which differ by their mechanism of action and therapeutic target. They are all pointed to proteins that form the cytoplasmic viral replication complex. Multiple studies have demonstrated that direct-acting antiviral therapy is extremely well tolerated, highly efficacious, with few side effects.

METHODS

We performed an indexed MEDLINE search with keywords regarding specific direct-acting antiviral regimes and their pharmacokinetics, drug-drug interactions, and metabolism in specific settings of pregnancy, lactation, liver cirrhosis, liver transplantation and HCC risk, kidney failure and kidney transplantation.

RESULTS

We present a comprehensive overview of specific direct-acting antiviral metabolism and drug-drug interaction issues in different settings.

CONCLUSION

Despite its complex pharmacokinetics and the possibility of drug-drug interactions, direct-acting antivirals are highly efficacious in providing viral clearance, which is an obvious advantage compared to possible interactions or side effects. They should be administered cautiously in patients with other comorbidities, and with tight control of immunosuppressive therapy.

Real-World Experience with Coformulated Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir for HIV-Positive Patients with HCV Genotype 2 Infection: A Multicenter, Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION

While coformulated ledipasvir (90 mg)/sofosbuvir (400 mg) (LDV/SOF) is approved for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2 (GT2) infection in Taiwan, Japan, and New Zealand, data regarding its use for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)-positive patients infected with HCV GT2 are sparse. We aimed to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of LDV/SOF for HIV-positive patients with HCV GT2 coinfection.

METHODS

From January 2019 to July 2020, consecutive HIV-positive Taiwanese patients infected with HCV GT2 who received LDV/SOF were retrospectively included for analysis. The effectiveness was determined by sustained virologic response 12 weeks off-therapy (SVR12).

RESULTS

Of the 114 patients (mean age, 38.6 years) initiating LDV/SOF during the study period, 0.9% had liver cirrhosis and 4.4% were HCV treatment-experienced. All patients had estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 30 ml/min/1.73 m² and were receiving antiretroviral therapy with 98.2% having CD4 counts ≥ 200 cells/mm³ and 93.9% plasma HIV RNA load < 50 copies/ml. Antiretrovirals prescribed included tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine in 42.1%, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine 18.4%, other nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) 39.5%, non-NRTIs 12.3%, protease inhibitors 13.2%, and integrase inhibitors 74.6%. All patients had undetectable plasma HCV RNA load at the end of treatment, and 96.5% achieved SVR12 in intention-to-treat analysis. The on-treatment eGFR decline was more pronounced in those receiving TDF-containing antiretroviral therapy (mean change, - 8.33 ml/min/1.73 m²), which was reversible after discontinuation of LDV/SOF. None of the patients interrupted LDV/SOF during the 12-week treatment course.

CONCLUSION

Similar to the response observed among HIV-negative patients, LDV/SOF is effective for HIV-positive patients coinfected with HCV GT2.

Cost-effectiveness of using hepatitis C viremic hearts for transplantation into HCV-negative recipients

Outcomes following hepatitis C virus (HCV)-viremic heart transplantation into HCV-negative recipients with HCV treatment are good. We assessed cost-effectiveness between cohorts of transplant recipients willing and unwilling to receive HCV-viremic hearts. Markov model simulated long-term outcomes among HCV-negative patients on the transplant waitlist. We compared costs (2018 USD) and health outcomes (quality-adjusted life-years, QALYs) between cohorts willing to accept any heart and those willing to accept only HCV-negative hearts. We assumed 4.9% HCV-viremic donor prevalence. Patients receiving HCV-viremic hearts were treated, assuming $39 600/treatment with 95% cure. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were compared to a $100 000/QALY gained willingness-to-pay threshold. Sensitivity analyses included stratification by blood type or region and potential negative consequences of receipt of HCV-viremic hearts. Compared to accepting only HCV-negative hearts, accepting any heart gained 0.14 life-years and 0.11 QALYs, while increasing costs by $9418/patient. Accepting any heart was cost effective (ICER $85 602/QALY gained). Results were robust to all transplant regions and blood types, except type AB. Accepting any heart remained cost effective provided posttransplant mortality and costs among those receiving HCV-viremic hearts were not >7% higher compared to HCV-negative hearts. Willingness to accept HCV-viremic hearts for transplantation into HCV-negative recipients is cost effective and improves clinical outcomes.

Transplanting Organs from Donors with HIV or Hepatitis C: The Viral Frontier

A wide gap between the increasing demand for organs and the limited supply leads to immeasurable loss of life each year. The organ shortage could be attenuated by donors with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). The transplantation of organs from HIV+ deceased donors into HIV+ individuals (HIV D+ /R+) was initiated in South Africa in 2010; however, this practice was forbidden in the USA until the HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act in 2013. HIV D+/R+ transplantation is now practiced in the USA as part of ongoing research studies, helping to reduce waiting times for all patients on the waitlist. The introduction of direct acting antivirals for HCV has revolutionized the utilization of donors with HCV for HCV-uninfected (HCV-) recipients. This is particularly relevant as the HCV donor pool has increased substantially in the context of the rise in deaths related to drug overdose from injection drug use. This article serves to review the current literature on using organs from donors with HIV or HCV.

EASL recommendations on treatment of hepatitis C: Final update of the series☆

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease, with approximately 71 million chronically infected individuals worldwide. Clinical care for patients with HCV-related liver disease has advanced considerably thanks to an enhanced understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease, as well as developments in diagnostic procedures and improvements in therapy and prevention. These therapies make it possible to eliminate hepatitis C as a major public health threat, as per the World Health Organization target, although the timeline and feasibility vary from region to region. These European Association for the Study of the Liver recommendations on treatment of hepatitis C describe the optimal management of patients with recently acquired and chronic HCV infections in 2020 and onwards.

Efficacy of NS5A inhibitors against unusual and potentially difficult-to-treat HCV subtypes commonly found in sub-Saharan Africa and South East Asia

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The efficacy of NS5A inhibitors against several less common subtypes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is poorly characterised. Some subtypes including 3b, 3g, 6u and 6v commonly harbour amino acid residues in NS5A that may confer resistance to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in other common subtypes. Data from patients also suggest that 1l and 4r with amino acid substitutions at positions 28-31 and 93 in NS5A are relatively resistant to DAA therapy.

METHODS

In this study, we tested the efficacy of daclatasvir, elbasvir, ledipasvir, pibrentasvir and velpatasvir against these subtypes using the SGR-JFH1 replicon backbone.

RESULTS

NS5A inhibitors showed different levels of efficacy with only pibrentasvir effective against all tested subtypes. Daclatasvir and ledipasvir were ineffective against 6u and 6v (half maximal effective concentration [EC₅₀] values of 239-321 nM) while 3b and 3g were only susceptible to pibrentasvir. Analysis of effects of individual mutations indicated that Q30R in 1l increased the EC₅₀ of ledipasvir by 18-fold, conferring intermediate resistance, while those of L31M and Y93H in 4r induced increases in EC₅₀ values of 2,100- and 3,575-fold (high-level resistance).

CONCLUSION

The high ledipasvir EC₅₀ values of 1l with the Q30R substitution, 4r L31M and 4r Y93H may explain the treatment failure in patients who were infected with these viruses and treated with ledipasvir + sofosbuvir. This study also shows the ineffectiveness of the first generation NS5A inhibitors against 6u and 6v, and confirms the inherent resistance of 3b and 3g to most NS5A inhibitors. Clinical studies to confirm in vivo sensitivity to NS5A inhibitors are urgently needed so that rational, effective treatment strategies may be developed for unusual subtypes.

LAY SUMMARY

Little is known about the efficacy of NS5A inhibitors against some "unusual" hepatitis C virus (HCV) subtypes including 1l, 3b, 3g, 4r, 6u and 6v. In this study, we manufactured HCV replicons which express the NS5A protein from the unusual HCV subtypes 1l, 3b, 3g, 4r, 6u, 6v. We then tested the effect of the NS5A inhibitors daclatasvir, elbasvir, ledipasvir, pibrentasvir and velpatasvir on blocking replication, using these replicons. We show that these replicons are resistant at some level to all NS5A inhibitors other than pibrentasvir.

Clinical efficacy of direct-acting antiviral therapy for recurrent hepatitis C virus infection after liver transplantation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection of transplanted liver allografts is universal in patients with detectable HCV viremia at the time of transplantation. Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy has been adopted as the standard of care for recurrent HCV infection in the post-transplant setting. However, there are insufficient data regarding its efficacy in liver transplant (LT) recipients with a history of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the risk of HCC recurrence after DAA therapy is unknown.

AIM

To demonstrate predictors of DAA treatment failure and HCC recurrence in LT recipients.

METHODS

A total of 106 LT recipients given DAAs for recurrent HCV infection from 2015 to 2019 were identified (68 with and 38 without HCC). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to estimate the multivariate odds ratios and respective 95% confidence intervals for predictors of treatment failure and HCC recurrence.

RESULTS

Six patients (6%) experienced DAA therapy failure post-LT and 100 (94%) had a sustained virologic response at follow-up week 12. A high alanine transaminase level > 35 U/L at treatment week 4 was a significant predictor of treatment failure. Relapse to pre-LT DAA therapy is a predictor of post-LT HCC recurrence, P = 0.04. DAA relapse post-LT was also associated with post-transplantation HCC recurrence, P = 0.05.

CONCLUSION

DAAs are effective and safe in the treatment of recurrent HCV infection in LT recipients with history of HCC. Relapse to pre- and post-LT DAA therapy is associated with post-transplantation HCC recurrence.

Efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir in the treatment of hep C among patients on hemodialysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among maintenance hemodialysis patients is implicated in increased morbidity and mortality compared to uninfected patients. Sofosbuvir (SOF)-based regimens may not be optimal among patients requiring hemodialysis. Several studies, however, provide evidence that use of SOF among HCV-positive patients with renal impairment, is effective and safe. We searched Pubmed and Embase to identify studies reporting the efficacy and safety of SOF-based regimens for the treatment of HCV-positive patients on maintenance hemodialysis and performed a random effects meta-analysis. The overall pooled estimate of the efficacy of SOF-based therapy was 95% (95% CI 91–98%). The efficacy of the SOF-based regimen was 92% (95% CI 80–99%), 98% (95% CI 96–100%), and 100% (95% CI 95–100%) for the following doses: 400 mg on alternate days, 400 mg daily, and 200 mg daily, respectively. The most frequent adverse event was fatigue with a pooled prevalence of 16% (95% CI 5–29%), followed by anemia 15% (95% CI 3–31%), and nausea or vomiting 14% (95% CI 4–27%). Anemia was more prevalent in treatment regimens containing ribavirin (46%, 95% CI 33–59%) compared to ribavirin-free regimens (3%, 95% CI 0–9%). This study suggests that SOF-based regimens in the treatment of HCV infection among hemodialysis patients are both effective and safe.

Sofosbuvir-based antiviral therapy in patients with recurrent HCV infection after liver transplant: A real-life experience

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

Recurrent HCV infection after liver transplant (LT) has a negative impact on graft and patient survival. The aim of this study is to describe the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir (SOF-based) regimens in the treatment of recurrent HCV after liver transplant (LT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included 68 adults with recurrent HCV infection after LT, treated with different SOF-based regimens between March 2015 and December 2016. The choice of regimens, their duration and use of ribavirin (RBV) was made by the treating physician. The efficacy of antiviral treatment was assessed based on the sustained viral response obtained 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12), according to an intention-to-treat analysis.

RESULTS

The most frequent HCV genotypes were 1 and 3 (n=35, 51.4% and n=31, 45.6%, respectively). Only 22 patients were treatment naïve (32.3%) and 7 had cirrhosis (10.2%). SOF+daclatasvir (DCV) was the most commonly used regimen (n=63, 92.6%). Most patients used RBV (n=56, 82.3%) and were treated for 12 weeks (n=66, 97%). Overall SVR12 was 95.5% (65/68 patients). Three patients had virologic failure. Three patients had serious adverse events, however, no one discontinued treatment prematurely. RBV-related anaemia was the most frequent adverse event (n=34, 50%). Four patients had severe cellular graft rejection after HCV elimination, while immunosuppression remained stable.

CONCLUSION

SOF-based therapy is highly effective and safe to treat HCV recurrence after LT. Cellular graft rejection following the successful treatment of HCV needs further investigation.

Efficacy and Safety of Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection: A Real-World Single-Center Experience in Tianjin, China

Objective

Toward the limited real-world data concerning the treatment response to brand direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) therapy, we proposed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DAAs for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) in mainland China.

Methods

In this retrospective, single-center, cohort study, all HCV-infected adult patients treated with brand DAA drugs covered by Tianjin local health insurance (Apr 2018–Sept 2019) and responding to other specific inclusion criteria were recruited. The five available DAA regimens included sofosbuvir + ribavirin (SOF + RBV), elbasvir/grazoprevir (EBR/GZR), ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir/dasabuvir (OBV/PTV/r/DSV) ± RBV, daclatasvir + asunaprevir (DCV + ASV), and SOF + DCV ± RBV. Demographic, virologic, clinical, and adverse effects data obtained during and after DAAs treatment were collected. We evaluated the rate of sustained virological response at 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12), the incidence of adverse effects, and assessed the factors associated with SVR12.

Results

Four hundred ninety-four patients finished the treatment and completed the 12-week post-treatment follow-up. The overall SVR12 rate was estimated at 96.96%. SVR rates greater than 95% were achieved in most of the HCV genotypes with the exception of GT1a (0%), GT3a (93.33%), and GT3b (88.24%). SVR12 for patients treated with DCV + ASV, EBR/GZR, OBV/PTV/r/DSV ± RBV, SOF + DCV ± RBV, and SOF + RBV for 12 or 24 weeks was 86.67%, 100%, 98.11%, 97.56%, and 95.06%, respectively. Subjects with compensated cirrhosis (92.73%) and prior treatment experience (77.78%) had significantly lower SVR rates when compared to chronic hepatitis C (98.15%) and treatment-naive (97.69%) groups. In Tianjin, the available DAA regimens were generally well-tolerated, and not a single serious adverse event was reported.

Conclusion

In this large real-life single-center HCV cohort from China, oral DAAs were highly effective and well-tolerated. Further and larger-scale studies are needed to evaluate their clinical safety and efficacy.

Efficacy and safety of new direct-acting antivirals in kidney transplant recipients with chronic hepatitis C: a single-center study

Background

The recent interferon-free direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens have very good safety and efficacy profiles and are highly recommended for kidney transplant (KT) recipients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC).

Methods

All KT recipients with CHC followed at our hospital and who received therapy with the current DAAs were included. At the baseline visit, demographic, clinical and laboratory variables before and after KT, as well as at the commencement of DAAs, at the end of antiviral therapy and the end of follow up, were recorded, including assessment of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The changes in eGFR (DGFR) between baseline and end of therapy (1^st period), and between end of therapy and end of follow up (2^nd period), were evaluated.

Results

Twelve KT recipients were retrospectively evaluated: 2 had received antiviral therapy in the past; 4 (33.3%) patients had genotype 1 and 3 (25%) genotype 4 CHC. The median stiffness was 11.9 kPa (range 5-16.8), while 5 patients, none with decompensated cirrhosis, had stiffness >12.5 kPa. Eight patients received a sofosbuvir-containing antiviral regimen (Group 1) and 4 patients received an antiviral regimen without sofosbuvir (Group 2). Eleven (91.7%) patients achieved a sustained virological response (SVR). One patient discontinued DAAs early after treatment and did not achieve SVR. Otherwise, DAAs were well tolerated and no rejection episode was recorded. The DGFRs in the 1^st period and 2^nd period did not differ significantly between Group 1 and Group 2 patients.

Conclusion

In this real-world study of KT recipients with CHC, the high efficacy and clinically acceptable tolerability of DAAs were confirmed.

The Reliability of Fibro-test in Staging Orthotopic Liver Transplant Recipients with Recurrent Hepatitis C

Background and Aims: Liver biopsy remains the gold standard for staging of chronic liver disease following orthotopic liver transplantation. Noninvasive assessment of fibrosis with Fibro-test (FT) is well-studied in immunocompetent populations with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. The aim of this study is to investigate the diagnostic value of FT in the assessment of hepatic fibrosis in the allografts of liver transplant recipients with evidence of recurrent hepatitis C. Methods: We retrospectively compared liver biopsies and FT performed within a median of 1 month of each other in orthotopic liver transplantation recipients with recurrent hepatitis C. Results: The study population comprised 22 patients, most of them male (19/22), and with median age of 62 years. For all patients, there was at least a one-stage difference in fibrosis as assessed by liver biopsy compared to FT, while for the majority (16/22) there was at least a two-stage difference. The absence of correlation between the two modalities was statistically demonstrated (Mann-Whitney U test, p = 0.01). In detecting significant fibrosis (a METAVIR stage of F2 and above), an FT cut-off of 0.5 showed moderate sensitivity (77%) and negative predictive value (80%), but suboptimal specificity (61%) and positive predictive value (58%). Conclusions: In post-transplant patients with recurrent hepatitis C, FT appears to be inaccurately assessing the degree of allograft fibrosis, therefore limiting its reliability as a staging tool.

Transplantation of viral-positive hepatitis C-positive kidneys into uninfected recipients offers an opportunity to increase organ access

The advent of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has provided the impetus to transplant kidneys from hepatitis C virus-positive donors into uninfected recipients (D+/R-). Thirty D+/R- patients received DAA treatment. Sustained virologic response (SVR12) was defined as an undetectable viral load in 12 weeks after treatment. An age-matched cohort of uninfected donor and recipient pairs (D-/R-) transplanted during same time period was used for comparison. The median day of viral detection was postoperative day (POD) 2. The detection of viremia in D+/R- patients was 100%. The initial median viral load was 531 copies/μL (range: 10-1 × 10⁸ copies/μL) with a median peak viral load of 3.4 × 10⁵ copies/μL (range: 804-1.0 × 10⁸ copies/μL). DAAs were initiated on median POD 9 (range: 5-41 days). All 30 patients had confirmed SVR12. During a median follow-up of 10 months, patient and graft survival was 100%, and acute rejection was 6.6% with no major adverse events related to DAA treatment. Delayed graft function was significantly decreased in D+/R- patients as compared to the age-matched cohort (27% vs 60%; P = .01). D+/R- transplantation offers patients an alternative strategy to increase access.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir and nonstructural protein 5A inhibitors for chronic hepatitis C genotype 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6: a multicentre cohort study

Background

We investigated real-world effectiveness and safety of sofosbuvir and the nonstructural protein 5A inhibitors in the treatment of patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6.

Methods

We analyzed data from 1021 patients with HCV infection (506 with genotype 1; 16 with genotype 2; 314 with genotype 3; 13 with genotype 4; 166 with genotype 6) who received 12 to 24 weeks of daclatasvir plus sofosbuvir (n = 767), ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (n = 197), or sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (n = 57), with or without ribavirin in 12 centers across Thailand to estimate sustained virologic response at post-treatment week 12 (SVR12).

Results

Overall, SVR12 rate was 98.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 96.7–98.8%) with daclatasvir plus sofosbuvir, 97.9% (95% CI, 94.8–99.2%) with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, and 96.5% (95% CI, 88.1–99.0%) with sofosbuvir/velpatasvir. SVR12 was achieved by 99.2% (95% CI, 97.9–99.7%) of subjects with genotype 1 infection, 100% (95% CI, 78.5–100%) of those with genotype 2 infection, 96.7% (95% CI, 94.0–98.2%) of those with genotype 3 infection, 90.9% (95% CI, 62.3–98.4%) of those with genotype 4 infection, and 96.7% (95% CI 92.5–98.6%) of those with genotype 6 infection. Patients with advanced liver disease were at risk of treatment failure. Only four patients discontinued treatment before week 4 due to non-hepatic adverse events.

Conclusions

In this large cohort of patients with various HCV genotypes managed in the real-world practice setting, daclatasvir plus sofosbuvir, ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir achieved high SVR rates with good safety profile, comparable to those observed in clinical trials.

Eliminating Hepatitis C Virus From a Prevalent Kidney Transplant Recipient Population: A Single-Center Study in Belgium in the Direct-Acting Antivirals Era

BACKGROUND

Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have revolutionized the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Although previous studies have reported positive results with DAAs after kidney transplantation (KT), their impact on the prevalence of HCV viremia (HCVv) in prevalent kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) remains ill defined.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the HCV status of all patients followed at Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium, outpatient KT clinic between January 2014 and December 2018. We collected the clinical features of KTRs treated with DAAs during this period and calculated the annual prevalence of HCVv over this period.

RESULTS

Out of 1451 KTRs, 22 (1.52%) had HCVv in 2014 to 2018. From 2014 to 2018, the annual prevalence of HCVv dropped from 1.97% to 0.43%, (P < .001). Fourteen KTRs were treated with DAAs a median of 197 months (range: 5-374) after KT, mostly (79%) in 2017 after reimbursement restrictions of DAAs for KTRs in Belgium were removed. DAA treatment was safe with a sustained virological response rate at 12 weeks after treatment (SVR12) of 93%. Two patients died 14 months (lymphoma, despite SVR12) and 7 months (hepatocarcinoma, no SVR12) after DAAs initiation, respectively. Among HCVv KTRs not treated with DAAs (n = 8), 2 lost their graft, 5 died, and 1 is initiating therapy. The current prevalence of HCVv in the cohort is 0.08%, with a single patient currently on treatment.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with DAAs led to a dramatic decrease of HCVv prevalence in this KTR cohort. DAA use was safe and effective. Elimination of HCV is possible at KT clinics.

Successful Treatment of a Reinfected Liver Graft Because of Receipt of a HCV-Positive Kidney

Transplantation of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive organs has undergone a paradigm shift because of the advent of direct-acting antivirals. We present the case of a 57-year-old man successfully treated initially with pegylated interferon and ribavirin after HCV recurrence postliver transplantation. He subsequently developed end-stage renal disease and received a genotype 1a HCV-positive kidney transplant. A 12-week course of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir and low-dose ribavirin was initiated and sustained virologic response was achieved. This constitutes the first reported case of a patient successfully treated for HCV a second time after receiving an HCV-positive organ.

Cost-effectiveness of Using Kidneys From HCV-Viremic Donors for Transplantation Into HCV-Uninfected Recipients

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE

Less than 4% of patients with kidney failure receive kidney transplants. Although discard rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-viremic kidneys are declining, ~39% of HCV-viremic kidneys donated between 2018 and 2019 were discarded. Highly effective antiviral agents are now available to treat chronic HCV infection. Thus, our objective was to examine the cost-effectiveness of transplanting kidneys from HCV-viremic donors into HCV-uninfected recipients.

STUDY DESIGN

Markov state transition decision model. Data sources include Medline search results, bibliographies from relevant English language articles, Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, and the US Renal Data System.

SETTING & POPULATION

US patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis who are on kidney transplant waiting lists.

INTERVENTION(S)

Transplantation with an HCV-unexposed kidney versus transplantation with an HCV-viremic kidney and HCV treatment.

OUTCOMES

Effectiveness measured in quality-adjusted life-years and costs measured in 2018 US dollars.

MODEL, PERSPECTIVE, AND TIMEFRAME

We used a health care system perspective with a lifelong time horizon.

RESULTS

In the base-case analysis, transplantation with an HCV-viremic kidney was more effective and less costly than transplantation with an HCV-unexposed kidney because of the longer waiting times for HCV-unexposed kidneys, the substantial excess mortality risk while receiving dialysis, and the high efficacy of direct-acting antiviral agents for HCV infection. Transplantation with an HCV-viremic kidney was also preferred in sensitivity analyses of multiple model parameters. The strategy remained cost-effective unless waiting list time for an HCV-viremic kidney exceeded 3.1 years compared with the base-case value of 1.56 year.

LIMITATIONS

Estimates of waiting times for patients willing to accept an HCV-viremic kidney were based on data for patients who received HCV-viremic kidney transplants.

CONCLUSIONS

Transplanting kidneys from HCV-viremic donors into HCV-uninfected recipients increased quality-adjusted life expectancy and reduced costs compared with a strategy of transplanting kidneys from HCV-unexposed donors.

Safety and efficacy of direct-acting antivirals for chronic hepatitis C in patients with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

This is a real-world evidence study that aims to analyze the efficacy, tolerability and safety profile of paritaprevir/ombitasvir/ritonavir and dasabuvir, in patients with renal impairment.

METHODS

We conducted an observational prospective study, on 232 patients with chronic kidney disease, undergoing treatment with paritaprevir/ombitasvir/ritonavir and dasabuvir, for chronic hepatitis C infection - genotype 1b. Renal and liver function were assessed at the beginning of therapy, monthly during treatment and three months after therapy completion.

RESULTS

All patients achieved sustained virologic response. Common side effects were nausea, fatigue and headache. Close monitoring of tacrolimus blood levels and dose reduction was required in kidney transplant recipients.

CONCLUSIONS

HCV therapy in the setting of renal dysfunction has always been a challenging topic. Direct-acting antivirals have shown promising effects, demonstrating good tolerance and efficacy in patients with HCV infection and renal impairment. Sustained virologic response within our study population was 100%.

Highly effective treatment response and well tolerability by all oral direct acting antivirals for chronic hepatitis C patients post organ transplantation

BACKGROUND

Immunosuppressant-related acceleration of fibrosis has been documented in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients who receive organ transplantation (Tx), and sustained virological response (SVR) rates for these patients by pegylated interferon (IFN)-based therapy are generally poor and associated with unfavorable safety profiles. In addition, IFN treatment varies by patient and poses a high risk of post-renal Tx graft rejection. This study was aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of all oral direct acting antivirals (DAAs) for CHC patients following organ Tx.

METHODS

A total of 32 organ Tx (liver: 17, kidney: 13, kidney then liver: 1, and heart: 1) patients with CHC on an oral DAA (paritaprevir/ritonavir, ombitasvir, and dasabuvir: 11, daclatasvir and asunaprevir: 4, sofosbuvir-based: 17) were enrolled in the study. DAAs regimen was based by genotype/subtype, patient characteristics, drug interaction profiles, and health insurance coverage.

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 61.4 ± 9.5 years, 50.0% male, and 15.6% with cirrhosis. Fourteen (43.7%) patients experienced unsuccessful IFN treatment. Genotype distribution was as follows: 1a: 6, 1b: 17, 2: 7, 3: 1, and 6: 1. Mean time between Tx and DAAs therapy was 77.3 ± 11.0 months. Baseline HCV RNA before DAAs was 6.20 ± 0.19 log10 IU/mL. After DAAs, the distribution of week 2 HCV RNA was as follows: <15 IU/mL (53.1%), 15 to 50 IU/mL (15.6%), 50 to 100 IU/mL (6.3%), and >100 IU/mL (25.0%), respectively. The rates of undetectable HCV RNA (<15 IU/mL) at week 4 and end-of-treatment were 93.8% and 100%, respectively. Subjective adverse events during therapy were generally mild, with no treatment terminations. After posttreatment follow-up, all 32 patients (100%) achieved SVR12.

CONCLUSION

Highly responsive treatment and favorable tolerability were achieved by all oral DAAs in this difficult-to-treat patient population.

Liver, simultaneous liver-kidney, and kidney transplantation from hepatitis C-positive donors in hepatitis C-negative recipients: A single-center study

Transplantation of organs from hepatitis C virus (HCV)-antibody (Ab) and -nucleic acid test (NAT) positive donors into HCV-negative recipients has been proposed to expand the donor pool and shorten waiting times. Data on early single-center outcomes are lacking. Nineteen liver (LT, including seven simultaneous liver-kidney [SLKT]) and 17 kidney transplant (KT) recipients received organs from HCV (+) donors; of these, 13 were HCV NAT (+) in each group. All patients who received organs from HCV NAT (+) donors developed HCV viremia post-transplant except for 2 KT recipients. Patients were treated with a variety of direct-acting antiviral regimens, with high rates of sustained virologic response among those with at least 12 weeks of follow-up past the end of treatment: 12/13 (92%) and 8/8 (100%) among LT/SLKT, and KT recipients. Median time to treatment start was 42 days (interquartile range [IQR] 35-118 days) and 40 days (IQR 26-73) post-LT/SLKT and KT, respectively. One death occurred in a SLKT recipient unrelated to HCV or its treatment. There was no significant increase in rejection, proteinuria, or changes in immunosuppression in any group. Organs from HCV-viremic donors can be utilized for HCV-uninfected recipients with good short-term outcomes.

Expanding the donor pool: Hepatitis C, hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency virus-positive donors in liver transplantation

Liver transplantation (LT) remains the best option for patients with end-stage liver disease but the demand for organs from deceased donors continues to outweigh the available supply. The advent of highly effective anti-viral treatments has reduced the number of patients undergoing LT for hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV) related liver disease and yet the number of patients waiting for LT continues to increase, driven by an increase in the patients listed with a diagnosis of cirrhosis due to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and alcohol-related liver disease. In addition, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, which was previously a contra-indication for LT, is no longer a fatal disease due to the effectiveness of HIV therapy and patients with HIV and liver disease are now developing indications for LT. The rising demand for LT is projected to increase further in the future, thus driving the need to investigate potential means of expanding the pool of potential donors. One mechanism for doing so is utilizing organs from donors that previously would have been discarded or used only in exceptional circumstances such as HCV-positive, HBV-positive, and HIV-positive donors. The advent of highly effective anti-viral therapy has meant that these organs can now be used with excellent outcomes in HCV, HBV or HIV infected recipients and in some cases uninfected recipients.

Heart Transplantation for Hepatitis C Virus Non-Viremic Recipients From Hepatitis C Virus Viremic Donors

Multiple strategies have been implemented to increase the donor pool to avoid transplant wait-list mortality. The approval of highly effective direct-acting antiviral regimens for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has enabled expansion of the donor pool by allowing the transplantation of organs from HCV-viremic donors to HCV-negative recipients. Multiple centers have recently published data on outcomes of heart transplantation from HCV-viremic heart donors to HCV-negative recipients, with acceptable posttransplant outcomes. However, areas of uncertainty remain, particularly in the long-term risks of intentional HCV transmission, as well as the possibility that sustained virologic response may not be achieved. In this article, we review the literature illustrating both the risks and benefits of transplantation of organs from HCV-viremic donors to HCV-negative recipients. We also present the data collected at our institution regarding this special patient population.