Journal of Gastrointestinal & Digestive System
Open Access

Abstract

Objectives: to determine the efficacy of (Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir) in treating children with HCV infection. Patients and methods: Patients with positive HCV PCR, aged 7 to 18 years were enrolled. History and 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 with liver function and renal function and PCR was done at 12 weeks (end of treatment); then after 12 weeks post treatment (SVR12). Total duration of therapy was 12 weeks. Extended to 24 in cases with established cirrhosis. Computer program SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis. Results: the number of patients were 22, with mean age of 12.5 years, 14 boys (63.6%), and 8 girls (36.4%). Genotype 1 was the dominant type (75%). SVR 12 was achieved in 20 patients (90.9%), the remaining 2 (9.1%) had partial virological response. HBV co-infection was found in 5 cases; they were kept on Entecavir during the course of treatment. All achieved SVR12 for HCV and decrease titter for HBV. Even INF-experienced patients (7 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. Key word: Direct acting antivirals, hepatitis C virus, Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir, Pediatrics, children.

Biography

Ban is a senior lecturer at Al mustansiriyah Medical college, specialist pediatrician working in the field of Pediatric Gastroenterology and hepatology for more than 8 years at the GIT and Hepatology Center and in the GIT Clinic at Central Child Teaching Hospital in Baghdad /Iraq. She had completed MRCPCH 2014, achieved 1st rank graduate of the Iraqi board of Pediatrics. She is a member of the BSPGAN.

E-mail: banalkaaby@uomustansiriyah.edu.iq