Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 27, 2026

A Cell Culture Model for Producing High Titer Hepatitis E Virus Stocks
10:28

A Cell Culture Model for Producing High Titer Hepatitis E Virus Stocks

Published on: June 26, 2020

10.4K

Effectiveness of Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir with/without Ribavarin in Liver Transplant Recipients with Hepatitis C

Sammy Saab1,2, Justin Rheem3, Melissa A Jimenez2

  • 1Departments of Medicine at the University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.

Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology
|June 30, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir is an effective, interferon-free treatment for recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection post-liver transplant (LT). This therapy, with or without ribavirin, achieved a 94% sustained viral response, though anemia was noted with ribavirin use.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Transplant Surgery
  • Virology

Background:

  • Recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a common complication after liver transplantation (LT), leading to significant patient morbidity and mortality.
  • Effective and safe treatment options are crucial for managing post-LT HCV recurrence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, with or without ribavirin, for treating recurrent genotype 1 HCV in liver transplant recipients.
  • To assess treatment outcomes, including viral suppression and sustained virologic response.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective evaluation of 85 liver transplant recipients treated for recurrent HCV genotype 1.
  • Treatment regimens included ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for 12 or 24 weeks, with or without ribavirin.
  • Safety assessed by drug cessation rates; efficacy measured by viral load and sustained virologic response (SVR).

Main Results:

  • High rates of viral suppression were observed, with 81% achieving undetectable viral levels at 4 weeks and 100% by end of therapy.
  • A 94% sustained virologic response (SVR) at 12 weeks post-therapy was achieved.
  • No patients discontinued ledipasvir/sofosbuvir; 5 of 43 (11.6%) on ribavirin ceased treatment due to side effects, primarily anemia.

Conclusions:

  • Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, with or without ribavirin, represents an effective and well-tolerated interferon-free treatment for recurrent HCV post-liver transplant.
  • Anemia is a notable side effect in liver transplant recipients treated with ribavirin.
  • This regimen offers a promising therapeutic strategy for a challenging clinical scenario.

Keywords:
Direct-acting agentsHepatitis CImmunosuppressantLiver transplantationSustained viral response

More Related Videos

Immunofluorescence to Monitor the Cellular Uptake of Human Lactoferrin and its Associated Antiviral Activity Against the Hepatitis C Virus06:28

Immunofluorescence to Monitor the Cellular Uptake of Human Lactoferrin and its Associated Antiviral Activity Against the Hepatitis C Virus

Published on: October 1, 2015

14.1K
Stem Cell-Derived Viral Ag-Specific T Lymphocytes Suppress HBV Replication in Mice07:25

Stem Cell-Derived Viral Ag-Specific T Lymphocytes Suppress HBV Replication in Mice

Published on: September 25, 2019

7.5K

Related Concept Videos

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test01:22

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test

In clinical practice, the direct measurement of hepatic blood flow to evaluate liver function presents significant challenges due to the intricate and specialized nature of the necessary techniques. Consequently, healthcare professionals often rely on empirical estimates derived from thorough patient examinations and liver function tests to gauge liver health. Among the tools at their disposal, the Child–Pugh and MELD scoring systems stand out for their ability to categorize and assess...
244
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Dose Adjustments Due to Hepatic Impairment01:08

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Dose Adjustments Due to Hepatic Impairment

Hepatic impairment, characterized by decreased liver function, does not uniformly mandate adjustments in drug dosage. Whether dosage modifications are necessary depends on various factors related to the drug's metabolism and elimination pathways. If a drug is primarily excreted via the kidneys and bypasses significant hepatic processing, if it undergoes minimal metabolic transformation in the liver, or if it is volatile and primarily expelled through the lungs, dose adjustments may not be...
316
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow01:26

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow

Chronic liver disease significantly impacts drug metabolism due to alterations in hepatic blood flow and enzyme accessibility. This disruption affects the body's pharmacokinetics—the movement and processing of drugs within the system. Key enzymes crucial for metabolizing medications become less accessible, changing how drugs are processed and utilized. Furthermore, liver disease influences the synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin and globulins, which play critical roles in drug...
302
Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder01:26

Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder

Liver and gallbladder diseases are a significant health concern, with prominent conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gallstones. Jaundice is a common manifestation of liver and biliary disease.
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not...
2.1K
Hepatic Drug Excretion: Influencing Factors01:16

Hepatic Drug Excretion: Influencing Factors

The biliary system of the liver, crucial for bile secretion and drug excretion, comprises intrahepatic bile ducts that merge to form the common hepatic duct. This duct, carrying hepatic bile, combines with the cystic duct, draining the gallbladder and forming the common bile duct, which empties into the duodenum. Bile, produced by hepatic cells lining the bile canaliculi, is composed primarily of water, bile salts, pigments, electrolytes, and lesser amounts of cholesterol and fatty acids. Bile...
675
Hepatic Portal System01:21

Hepatic Portal System

The hepatic portal system, a critical part of our circulatory framework, transports nutrient-laden, deoxygenated blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver. This ingenious system plays an indispensable role in maintaining our body's metabolic equilibrium.
At its core, the hepatic portal vein is the result of a confluence of the superior and inferior mesenteric veins along with the splenic vein. Each of these veins has a unique role. The superior mesenteric vein is...
6.8K