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Ocular Surface Changes With Sofosbuvir in Egyptian Patients With Hepatitis C Virus Infection
1Department of Ophthalmology, Ain Shams University, Abbasia, Cairo, Egypt.
Cornea
|January 15, 2016
Summary
Sofosbuvir combined with other antivirals for hepatitis C impairs tear function and causes ocular surface changes. These effects on the eye surface were observed in Egyptian patients undergoing treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Hepatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects millions globally.
- Current treatments for HCV involve direct-acting antiviral agents.
- Ocular surface health is crucial for patient comfort and vision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of oral sofosbuvir on the ocular surface in Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis C.
- To compare the ocular surface changes in patients receiving sofosbuvir plus peginterferon/ribavirin versus peginterferon/ribavirin alone.
Main Methods:
- Prospective randomized comparative study involving 600 eyes (300 per group).
- Evaluated dry eye using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire.
- Objective assessments included Schirmer test, tear film breakup time (TBUT), and impression cytology for conjunctival cell changes.
Main Results:
- Sofosbuvir group showed significant worsening of OSDI scores, reduced tear production (Schirmer test), and decreased TBUT.
- Impression cytology revealed significant squamous metaplasia (increased nucleus/cytoplasm ratio) in the sofosbuvir group, persisting post-treatment.
- These ocular surface changes were significantly more pronounced in the sofosbuvir group compared to the non-sofosbuvir group.
Conclusions:
- Oral sofosbuvir, when used with peginterferon and ribavirin, leads to impaired tear function.
- Squamous metaplastic changes in the ocular surface are associated with sofosbuvir-based HCV therapy.
- Ophthalmologists should monitor ocular surface health in patients treated with sofosbuvir for chronic hepatitis C.
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