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Updated: Mar 7, 2026

A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
Published on: June 26, 2014
Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir is effective and well tolerated in postkidney transplant patients with chronic hepatitis C
Amilcar L Morales1, Luz Liriano-Ward2, Amber Tierney3
1Transplant Hepatology Service, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) is effective and well-tolerated in kidney transplant recipients. This study shows a 96% sustained viral response, demonstrating LDV/SOF
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Nephrology
- Transplant Surgery
Background:
- End-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis have high hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence.
- HCV treatment is often delayed until after kidney transplantation.
- HCV infection can complicate post-transplant outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness and tolerance of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) in postkidney transplant patients with HCV.
- To evaluate LDV/SOF in patients coinfected with HIV.
Main Methods:
- Prospective assessment of 32 postkidney transplant patients with HCV infection.
- Treatment with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF).
- Evaluation of sustained viral response (SVR), graft function, and adverse events.
Main Results:
- A 96% SVR rate was achieved (27/28 patients).
- HCV/HIV coinfected patients also showed high SVR rates (5/6).
- LDV/SOF was well-tolerated with stable serum creatinine and no graft loss.
Conclusions:
- Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) is effective and well-tolerated in kidney transplant recipients with HCV.
- Treatment is safe in patients coinfected with HIV.
- LDV/SOF offers a valuable therapeutic option for this patient population.
Abstract:
Patients with end-stage renal diseases on hemodialysis have a high prevalence of hepatitis C infection (HCV). In most patients, treatment for HCV is delayed until postrenal transplant. We assessed the effectiveness and tolerance of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) in 32 postkidney transplant patients infected with HCV. The group was composed predominantly of treatment-naïve (75%) African American (68.75%) males (75%) infected with genotype 1a (62.5%). Most patients received a deceased donor kidney graft (78.1%). A 96% sustained viral response (SVR) was reported (27/28 patients). One patient relapsed. One patient with baseline graft dysfunction developed borderline rejection. No graft loss was reported. Six HIV-coinfected patients were included in our analysis. Five of these patients achieved SVR 12. There were four deaths, and one of the deaths was in the HIV group. None of the deaths were attributed to therapy. Coinfected patients tolerated therapy well with no serious adverse events. Serum creatinine remained stable at baseline, end of therapy, and last follow-up, (1.351±.50 mg/dL; 1.406±.63 mg/dL; 1.290±.39 mg/dL, respectively). In postkidney transplant patients with HCV infection with or without coinfection with HIV, a combination of LDV/SOF was well tolerated and effective.
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Assessment:

