Impact of direct antiviral agents for hepatitis C virus -induced liver diseases on registration, waiting list and liver transplant activity in France

Abstract

Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) has dramatically improved the prognosis of liver transplantation (LT) candidates for HCV end-stage liver disease (ESLD). We aimed to evaluate the impact of DAA on waiting list (WL) registration and LT activity in France.We evaluated all patients registered to the French WL for HCV ESLD between 2000 and 2018. Timespan was divided into two periods according to DAA availability: 2010–2013 versus 2014–2018. Changes in the indications of LT, outcome on WL were evaluated. Then, we evaluated the activity of LT and outcome for HCV recipients in France.Among 3,173 HCV candidates, registration on WL decreased by 33% between 2013 and 2018. The 1-year waitlist survival increased from 76.9% (95%CI: 74.2%-79.4%) in 2010–2013 to 79.8% (95%CI: 77.2%-82.1%) in 2014–2018 (p < 0.01). Regarding LT activity, the part of HCV ESLD decreased from 26% in 2010 to 16% in 2018. The 1-year graft survival rate in HCV recipients increased from 76.9% (95%CI: 73.7%-79.7%) in 2010–2012 to 84.9% (95%CI: 82.9%-86.7%) in 2013–2018 (p < 0.01).The availability of DAA to treat HCV infection is associated with a significant decrease of registration for LT, death and drop out for worsening condition on the LT. In addition, it has decreased the number of HCV+ LT and improved the 1-year graft survival in France.