Sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for treating Egyptian patients with hepatitis C genotype 4

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Egypt has the highest global prevalence of chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection.
• Over 90% of Egyptian HCV patients are infected with genotype 4.
• HCV genotype 4 presents a significant public health challenge in Egypt.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir combined with ribavirin.
• To assess treatment outcomes in Egyptian patients with HCV genotype 4.
• To determine optimal treatment duration for HCV genotype 4 infection.

Main Methods:

• A randomized trial involving 103 treatment-naïve or experienced patients with genotype 4 HCV.
• Patients received either 12 or 24 weeks of sofosbuvir (400 mg) and ribavirin (1000-1200 mg) daily.
• The primary endpoint was sustained virologic response 12 weeks post-therapy (SVR12).

Main Results:

• SVR12 rates were 90% for 24 weeks and 77% for 12 weeks of therapy.
• Patients with cirrhosis had lower SVR12 rates compared to those without cirrhosis.
• Common adverse events included fatigue, headache, insomnia, and anemia; no discontinuations due to adverse events.

Conclusions:

• Sofosbuvir plus ribavirin is effective for treating Egyptian patients with HCV genotype 4.
• Both 12 and 24-week treatment durations demonstrate significant efficacy.
• The combination therapy is safe and effective for both treatment-naïve and experienced patients.