Efficacy of Direct-Acting Antiviral Combination for Patients With Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1 Infection and Severe Renal Impairment or End-Stage Renal Disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Although hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common in patients with end-stage renal disease, highly efficacious, well-tolerated, direct-acting antiviral regimens have not been extensively studied in this population. We investigated the safety and efficacy of ombitasvir co-formulated with paritaprevir and ritonavir, administered with dasabuvir (with or without ribavirin) in a prospective study of patients with stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: We performed a single-arm, multicenter study of treatment-naive adults with HCV genotype 1 infection, without cirrhosis and with CKD stage 4 (estimated glomerular filtration rate, 15-30 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) or stage 5 (estimated glomerular filtration rate, <15 mL/min/1.73 m(2) or requiring hemodialysis). Twenty patients were given ombitasvir co-formulated with paritaprevir and ritonavir, administered with dasabuvir for 12 weeks. Patients with HCV genotype 1a infections also received ribavirin (n = 13), whereas those with genotype 1b infection did not (n = 7). The primary end point was sustained virologic response (serum HCV RNA <25 IU/mL) 12 weeks after treatment ended (SVR12). We collected data on on-treatment adverse events (AEs), serious AEs, and laboratory abnormalities. RESULTS: All 20 patients completed 12 weeks of treatment. Eighteen of the 20 patients achieved SVR12 (90%; 95% confidence interval: 69.9-97.2). One patient death after the end of the treatment (unrelated to the treatment) and 1 relapse accounted for the 2 non-SVRs. Adverse events were primarily mild or moderate, and no patient discontinued treatment due to an AE. Four patients experienced serious AEs; all were considered unrelated to treatment. Ribavirin therapy was interrupted in 9 patients due to anemia; 4 received erythropoietin. No blood transfusions were performed. CONCLUSIONS: In a clinical trial, the combination of ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir, administered with dasabuvir, led to an SVR12 in 90% of patients with HCV genotype 1 infection and stage 4 or 5 CKD. The regimen is well tolerated, though RBV use may require a reduction or interruption to manage anemia.