Dialysis and advanced chronic kidney disease population Free from Hepatitis C virus infection: A safe nephrology approach

Abstract

Background: One of the most prevalent viruses among dialysis patients is Hepatitis C as it affects 8.4% of the dialysis patients in Qatar1. It causes serious complications including end-stage liver disease. There is no available vaccine to protect against the transmission of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, antiviral drugs lead to precious benefits including reducing the risk of morbidity/mortality, increasing life expectancy, and eventually nominating them for kidney transplant2. The Qatar National Plan for HCV control by 2020 was launched in December 2014. In 2017, the World Health Organization accepted to support the development and implementation of national multispectral policies and strategies for its prevention and control in Qatar3. The treatment of HCV in dialysis patients has been a challenge since its launch in 2020. Methods: This is a single-center cohort study, including a retrospective collection of data from 70 dialysis patients infected with Hepatitis C virus. 44 of them were treated with Ombitasvir 12.5 mg, Paritaprevir 75 mg, and Ritonavir 50 mg over 12 weeks and 12-week follow up period. As per all guidelines of the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD), the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL), and the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL), sustained virological response indicates a patient has cured. Results: From the 70 HCV-positive patients, the 44 patients who received the 12-week treatments were cured (Figure 1). During the treatment phase, their biochemical values were normal (Figure 2). Conclusion: The outcome of the first phase treatment of Hepatitis C in dialysis patients is highly effective. Moreover, the successful HCV antiviral treatment will decrease the risk of infection transmission within dialysis patients and reduce the occurrence of complications occurring after kidney transplantation.