Sofosbuvir and Ledipasvir (Harvoni) treatment for hepatitis C in Children

Abstract

bjective: Direct Acting Antiviral (DAA) drugs have been recently approved by the Food and Drug Administraation for children with HCV infection (FDA news release, April 7, 2017). We describe the first two HCV- infected children from Kentucky treated successfully with DAA drugs from a research protocol. Methods: The charts of two children with HCV infections were reviewed. Once adolescent age was achieved (12 years), both children (one naïve and one experienced) were treated for eight weeks with Sofosbuvir and Ledipasvir (Harvoni) and were monitored. Their aminotransferases and HCVRNA levels were followed before and after treatment. Results: Both children were followed for their HCV infections since infancy. Both children achieved SVR at the end of therapy, one achieved SVR 12 weeks post therapy. The second patient is still on follow up post treatment. Conclusion: This is the first report of children treated with DAA drugs not under a research protocol. We suggest the eightweek treatment may be sufficient to achieve SVR in children. Patient advocacy groups and government agencies should pressure the insurance companies to approve DAA therapy for HCVinfected children.