Efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir in the treatment of hep C among patients on hemodialysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Sci Rep. 2020 Aug 31;10(1):14332. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-71205-5.

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among maintenance hemodialysis patients is implicated in increased morbidity and mortality compared to uninfected patients. Sofosbuvir (SOF)-based regimens may not be optimal among patients requiring hemodialysis. Several studies, however, provide evidence that use of SOF among HCV-positive patients with renal impairment, is effective and safe. We searched Pubmed and Embase to identify studies reporting the efficacy and safety of SOF-based regimens for the treatment of HCV-positive patients on maintenance hemodialysis and performed a random effects meta-analysis. The overall pooled estimate of the efficacy of SOF-based therapy was 95% (95% CI 91-98%). The efficacy of the SOF-based regimen was 92% (95% CI 80-99%), 98% (95% CI 96-100%), and 100% (95% CI 95-100%) for the following doses: 400 mg on alternate days, 400 mg daily, and 200 mg daily, respectively. The most frequent adverse event was fatigue with a pooled prevalence of 16% (95% CI 5-29%), followed by anemia 15% (95% CI 3-31%), and nausea or vomiting 14% (95% CI 4-27%). Anemia was more prevalent in treatment regimens containing ribavirin (46%, 95% CI 33-59%) compared to ribavirin-free regimens (3%, 95% CI 0-9%). This study suggests that SOF-based regimens in the treatment of HCV infection among hemodialysis patients are both effective and safe.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Hepatitis C / complications
  • Hepatitis C / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / complications*
  • Sofosbuvir / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Sofosbuvir