Abstract
ObjectiveTo review the efficacy of the combination of pegylated interferon-α 2b and ribavirin, and sofosbuvir and ribavirin in achieving sustained viral response (SVR) in chronic hepatitis C genotypes 1 and 3 in children.MethodsA retrospective descriptive study was performed for children under 15 years of age treated for chronic hepatitis C at Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Centre, Lahore, between 2018 and 2019. Demographic data and clinical information were collected. In addition, treatment outcome was assessed by SVR, defined as the absence of detectable viral RNA in blood after 24 weeks of initiation of treatment.ResultsA total of 30 children aged 15 years and below were included in this study. Sixteen of 30 children were males, and 14 were females. Of these 30 patients, four had hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1, and 26 children had HCV genotype 3. The children with genotype 1 (a+b) were given the combination of ribavirin and pegylated interferon alfa-2b (Peg-IFN-α-2b). The remaining with HCV genotype 3 were given the combination of ribavirin and sofosbuvir for 24 weeks. Overall, 27 out of 30 (90%) children attained SVR at six months (100% children with genotype 1 and 88.4% children with genotype 3).ConclusionThe combined therapy of ribavirin and sofosbuvir or Peg-IFN-α-2b and ribavirin is highly effective in treating chronic HCV infection in children.
Highlights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a serious global health concern since it causes chronic liver disease and related complications if left untreated
The remaining with HCV genotype 3 were given the combination of ribavirin and sofosbuvir for 24 weeks
The combination of sofosbuvir with ledipasvir or ribavirin to treat HCV genotype 3 is approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the FDA
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a serious global health concern since it causes chronic liver disease and related complications if left untreated. 2.1 to 5 million children worldwide have been ill with HCV to date [1]. According to general analysis steered in 2007-2008, the HCV prevalence in children under 15 years is at 4.8% [1,3]. The data regarding response to HCV treatment in children and pediatric management guidelines are relatively scanty [4]. The combination of sofosbuvir with ledipasvir or ribavirin to treat HCV genotype 3 is approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the FDA. The combination of interferon-alpha 2b and ribavirin has been given more effectively in genotype 1 or to children below 12 years of age. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of pegylated interferon alfa-2b (PegIFN-α-2b) plus ribavirin and sofosbuvir-ribavirin in children with chronic hepatitis C
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