Sofosbuvir and daclatasvir plus ribavirin treatment improve liver function parameters and clinical outcomes in Egyptian chronic hepatitis C patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Interferon-free direct-acting antivirals (DAA) combination therapies, including sofosbuvir (SOF) and daclatasvir (DCV) therapy, eradicate chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a high percentage of patients, but its impact on improvements in liver function is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in clinical and biochemical parameters reflecting liver function and general status in those who achieved HCV eradication by DAA.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From March 2016 to October 2016, 374 chronic hepatitis C patients were enrolled for this prospective, observational study and received SOF, DCV with ribavirin, to evaluate the changes in liver function parameters, international normalized ratio, complete blood count, model for end-stage liver disease, and Child-Turcotte-Pugh scores after achieving a sustained virological response 12 weeks after treatment.

RESULTS

In those who achieved HCV clearance, liver function parameters, serum albumin, bilirubin, platelet count, and international normalized ratio improved significantly in the majority of patients; the reduction in the model for end-stage liver disease score was (-2.36, SE 0.15, P<0.001). 44% of the patients showed an improved Child-Turcotte-Pugh score, 51% showed no change, and only 5% showed deterioration.

CONCLUSION

Successful HCV eradication by DAAs including SOF, DCV with ribavirin therapy improved liver function parameters and clinical outcomes in chronic hepatitis C patients.