Background

Egypt has the highest prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Anti-HCV antibodies were detectable in 3% of children in Upper Egypt. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for chronic HCV genotype 4 in adolescents with/without hematological disorders and to determine the effect of sustained virological response (SVR) on liver stiffness.

Methods

Sixty-five adolescents were recruited. There were 3 patient groups: group 1, 44 treatment-naive without hematological disorders; group 2, 6 previously treated; and group 3, 15 treatment-naive with hematological disorders. All patients received sofosbuvir 400 mg/ledipasvir 90 mg per day for 12 weeks. Serum HCV RNA levels were measured before treatment, at week 12, and at 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12). Liver stiffness and the aspartate aminotransferase–platelet ratio index (APRI) score were estimated at baseline and at SVR12.

Results

SVR12 was 100%. At SVR12, there was a significant improvement in liver stiffness in all groups. The APRI score showed significant improvements in groups 1 and 3 (P < .001 and P = .004, respectively). The treatment was well tolerated, with minimal and self-limited side effects.

Conclusions

Treatment of chronic HCV in adolescents using ledipasvir/sofosbuvir was effective, with a cure rate (at SVR12) of 100%. Significant improvement in liver stiffness was found in all groups.