Changes in Liver Stiffness and Noninvasive Fibrosis Scores in Egyptian Adolescents Successfully Treated with Ledipasvir-Sofosbuvir for Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Objective To assess changes in noninvasive liver fibrosis measurements after chronic hepatitis C eradication by direct-acting antivirals in Egyptian adolescents. Study design Liver stiffness measurement (LSM), by vibration-controlled transient elastography and noninvasive fibrosis scores (Firbosis-4, aspartate aminotransferase-platelet ratio index), was obtained before and 12 months after eradication with ledipasvir-sofosbuvir. The primary outcome was a more than 30% decrease in LSM with resulting fibrosis stage regression for initial fibrosis of F2 or higher and nonprogression of F0-F1, using the Ishak score (F0-F6). The secondary outcome was change in noninvasive fibrosis scores after treatment. Results Analyzing 85 patients, the median baseline LSM was 5.8 (IQR, 4.2-6.5) and at follow-up 5.1 kPa (IQR, 4-6 kPa) (P = .045); 62 (73%) met the primary outcome, 16 patients (19%) experienced regression, and 46 (54%) nonprogression of LSM. Of 18 with initial fibrosis of F2 0r higher, 13 regressed to F0-F1 and 2 from F6 to F5, 1 unchanged at F3, and 1 increased to F3 and 1 to F4. Among 67 patients with a baseline fibrosis of F0-F1, 62 were unchanged and 5 increased-4 to F2 and 1 to F3. Although 23 (27%) had a more than 30% LSM increase, only 7 (8%), with associated comorbidities (4 beta-thalassemia, 3 hepatic steatosis), had increased fibrosis stage. The median baseline FIB-4 and aspartate aminotransferase-platelet ratio index scores were 0.34 (IQR, 0.22-0.47) and 0.35 (0.24-0.57), and at follow-up 0.3 (IQR, 0.22-0.34) and 0.2 (0.18- 2.8) (P < .001, < .001), respectively. Conclusions Chronic hepatitis C eradication by direct-acting antiviral agents in Egyptian adolescents was associated with nonprogression or regression of liver fibrosis, by noninvasive fibrosis measurements, at 12 months after treatment in the majority of cases.