Journal of Gastrointestinal & Digestive System
Open Access

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the efficacy of (sofosbuvir/ledipasvir) in treating children with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Patients & Methods: Patients with positive HCV PCR, aged 7–18 years were enrolled in this study. History, clinical examinations and investigations were conducted. HCV genotyping was done (if affordable). Sofosbuvir was given to all patients once daily. Ribavirin was added for INF-experienced patients or with established cirrhosis. Follow-up of liver function, renal function and PCR was done at 12 weeks (end of treatment); after 12 weeks, post-treatment (SVR12). The total duration of therapy was 12 weeks and was extended to 24 weeks in cases with established cirrhosis. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis. Results: The number of patients was 22, with mean age of 12.5 years, 14 boys (63.6%), and eight girls (36.4%). Genotype 1 was the dominant type (75%). SVR12 was achieved in 20 patients (90.9%), the remaining two (9.1%) had partial virological response. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection was found in five cases; they were kept on entecavir during the course of treatment. All achieved SVR12 for HCV and decreased titer for HBV. Even INF-experienced patients (seven patients: 31.8%) were responsive with SVR12. The treatment was well tolerated. Conclusion: Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir is effective in treating HCV in children, and is well tolerated.

Biography

Ban Adil Al-Kaaby is a Senior Lecturer at Al Mustansiriyah, College of Medicine and Specialist Pediatrician working in the field of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology for more than eight years at the GIT and Hepatology Center and in the GIT Clinic at Central Child Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq. She completed MRCPCH in 2014, achieved 1st rank from the Iraqi Board of Pediatrics and is he is a member of the BSPGHAN.

E-mail: banalkaaby@uomustansiriyah.edu.iq