The efficacy and safety of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir plus ribavirin in hepatitis C virus-infected patients with end-stage renal disease on regular hemodialysis

Background and aim Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in patients with end-stage renal disease. Direct-acting antiviral drugs allow for the treatment of this group of patients. The current research aims to assess the efficacy and safety of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (OBV/PTV/RTV) combination therapy plus ribavirin in the treatment of HCV-infected Egyptian patients with chronic kidney disease stage V on regular hemodialysis. Patients and methods A total of 70 patients with chronic kidney disease stage V on regular hemodialysis with HCV infection were enrolled in this prospective cohort study, where 37 patients (group A) received OBV/PTV/RTV combination therapy plus ribavirin for 12 weeks. The remaining 33 patients (group B) refused treatment. The sustained virologic response and the adverse events were monitored. Results A total of 35 patients of group A [35/37 (94.6%)] completed 12 weeks of HCV therapy, and all of them [35/35 (100%)] achieved sustained virologic response 12. The patients suitably tolerated the therapy. Pruritis (65.7%), anemia (62.9%), gastrointestinal tract manifestations (60%), and fatigue (35%) were the most frequently reported adverse effects. There was a nonsignificant decrease in the hemoglobin and the hematocrit values in the treatment group. Conclusion OBV/PTV/RTV combination therapy plus ribavirin can be used safely and effectively in the treatment of chronic HCV-infected patients on regular hemodialysis. The drug combination is safe and tolerable.