The Effectiveness of Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir in Youth With Genotype 4 Hepatitis C Virus

Background:Licensure of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in adolescents was based on clinical trials on patients mainly with genotype 1. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and short-term safety of this newly approved antiviral in adolescents with HCV genotype 4.Methods:This was a study of 51 HCV-infected adolescents, who received the adult dose of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, once daily for 12 weeks, and were followed-up for 12 weeks post-treatment. Laboratory tests, quantitation of HCV RNA, HCV genotyping, IL-28rs gene polymorphism and transient elastography were performed at baseline. Follow-up visits were done for blood testing and adverse events recording.Results:The mean age was 14.7 ± 1.5 years (11–17.5), with a male to female ratio of 1.7:1. All patients were genotype 4a, and 76.5% had the CC IL-28 gene polymorphism. About 50% gave a history of HCV-infected mother, and 31% were treatment-experienced. Liver stiffness was F0 in 72.5%, F0–F1 in 13.7% and F1–F2 in 13.7%. Adverse events were mainly abdominal pain in 72.5%, headache in 64.7% and diarrhea in 53% of patients; these were mild. A reversible increase in creatinine level with a concomitant decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate was observed in the first month of treatment. By the end of week 12, a significant decline in liver enzymes was observed. All patients achieved an early, end of treatment, and a sustained virologic response.Conclusions:Adolescent patients with genotype 4 chronic HCV infection achieved a good response rate with good ontreatment tolerability for ledipasvir/sofosbuvir therapy.