Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir without ribavirin is effective in the treatment of recurrent hepatitis C virus infection post-liver transplant.

Abstract

Recurrent hepatitis C virus infection is a challenging complication post-liver transplant. Current guidelines recommend the combination of ribavirin and ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for 12weeks for the treatment of recurrent HCV genotype 1 post-liver transplant. Data are limited on the use of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir without ribavirin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir without ribavirin for the treatment of recurrent hepatitis C virus post-liver transplant. This is a retrospective study of liver transplant patients who received ledipasvir/sofosbuvir without ribavirin for the treatment of recurrent hepatitis C virus in our liver center from 2014 to 2016. A total of 60 patients were enrolled of which 70% were male, 88% Caucasian, age 60±7years, 15% cirrhotic, and 45% treatment-experienced with recurrent hepatitis C virus infection genotype 1 post-liver transplant. Treatment duration varied from 8 to 24weeks. There were no serious adverse events and no discontinuation of treatment. A total of 71% of patients had undetectable serum hepatitis C virus at 4weeks. However, irrespective of treatment duration, 100% of patients had undetectable serum hepatitis C virus at the end of treatment and 100% of patients achieved sustained viral response at 12weeks. Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir without ribavirin is an effective treatment of recurrent hepatitis C virus infection post-liver transplant. The entire group achieved sustained viral response at 12weeks irrespective of the length of treatment. The combination of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir was well tolerated without serious adverse effects or discontinuation.