Efficacy and Safety of Daclatasvir and Sofosbuvir in Egyptian Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 4 and Cirrhosis

Abstract
Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of Chronic Liver Disease (CLD) and liver transplantation globally. Currently, oral combinations of Direct Acting Anti-viral agents (DAAs) are the standard of care for treating chronic HCV infection.
Aim of Study: To assess the efficacy & safety of combi-nation of Daclatasvir and Sofosbuvir in Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis C Genotype 4 and Cirrhosis.
Patients and Methods: 50 Egyptian, cirrhotic patients with HCV genotype 4 infection were treated with a generic form of sofosbuvir (SOF) 400mg, daclatasvir (DCV) 60mg with or without weight-based ribavirin (RBV) for only 12 weeks. 40 out of the 50 patients enrolled in the study, com-pleted treatment, while the remaining 10 patients were lost for follow-up.
Results: The 12 weeks combination of SOF plus DCV achieved SVR in all treated patients (100%) whether treatment-naïve or experienced, with or without ribavirin. A significant improvement was observed in transaminases, while a non-significant improvement was observed in serum albumin, bilirubin, INR and the mean CTP score indicating improvement in liver functions. Regarding safety outcomes, all treatment-related AEs were only minor AEs with no major AEs.
Conclusion: The combination of SOF plus DCV with or without RBV for only 12 weeks is highly effective in treating HCV GT4 cirrhotic patients with SVR12 rate of 100%, safe and well tolerated by these cirrhotic patients. Moreover, there was a marginal improvement in liver functions observed 12 weeks after treatment.