Successful treatment of hepatitis C genotype 4 using sofosbuvir, daclatasvir, simeprevir and ribavirin in Egyptian patients with direct-acting antiviral agent treatment failure.

INTRODUCTION: In chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients in whom prior direct-acting antiviral agent (DAA) treatment had failed, outcomes after retreatment are optimal. Combination of sofosbuvir (SOF), daclatasvir (DCV), simeprevir (SIM), and ribavirin (RBV) in treatment experienced patients is recommended in current guidelines despite insufficient data. Our aim is to determine the efficacy and safety of SOF, DCV, SIM plus RBV in HCV infected patients who failed prior DAA treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and seventeen patients who failed to respond to SOF containing regimens were randomized according to previous response to therapy to non-responders and relapsers. Duration of therapy depends on fibrosis stages. SOF, DCV, SIM and weight based RBV 12 weeks for F1 and F2 (group I) and 24 weeks for F3 and F4 (group II).

RESULTS: In the non-responder group, a sustained virologic response (SVR) occurred in 100% in group I (F1 and F2) and 97% in group II (F3 and F4). Relapse was 3% in group II (F3 and F4). No patients from either group had breakthrough or non-response. In relapsers SVR was 100% in group I (F1 and F2) and 96% in group II (F3 and F4). Breakthrough, relapse and non-response were 2%, 4%, 2% respectively only in group II (F3 and F4).

CONCLUSIONS: Combining multiple DAAs with different viral targets may be effective treatment protocol in previous non-responders and relapsers with short durations of treatment.