Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 22, 2026

A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
Published on: June 26, 2014
When and how can nephrologists treat hepatitis C virus infection in dialysis patients?
Maya I Davis1, Donald F Chute2, Raymond T Chung2
1Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses significant risks for dialysis patients. New direct-acting antiviral therapies offer a simpler, safer treatment option, enabling nephrologists to manage HCV effectively.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a serious comorbidity in dialysis patients, increasing mortality.
- Traditional interferon-based therapies were poorly tolerated and rarely used in this population.
- Recent advances include interferon-free direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) with improved safety and efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the rationale and workflow for nephrology-led management of HCV in dialysis patients.
- To identify patients suitable for nephrologist-led treatment versus those requiring specialist referral.
- To discuss the impact of HCV on kidney transplantation and outline treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on HCV epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment in dialysis patients.
- Analysis of recently approved pan-genotypic DAAs, such as glecaprevir/pibrentasvir.
- Discussion of treatment guidelines and clinical management pathways.
Main Results:
- DAAs offer a simplified, well-tolerated treatment option for HCV in dialysis patients.
- Nephrologist involvement can improve treatment access and ensure appropriate patient selection.
- Understanding genotype-specific therapies and potential barriers is crucial for successful outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Nephrology-led management of HCV in dialysis patients is feasible and beneficial.
- Early identification and treatment of HCV can improve patient outcomes and reduce liver disease progression.
- Integration of HCV treatment into routine dialysis care enhances patient access and quality of life.
Abstract:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, a major cause of end-stage liver disease, is a common comorbidity in patients on dialysis and causes increased morbidity and mortality. Historically HCV has been extremely difficult to cure with interferon and ribavirin-based therapies, which are also associated with significant side effects, and few dialysis patients ever received HCV treatment. However, in the last 4 years, interferon-free direct-acting antiviral therapies have been approved, and several combinations have been studied in dialysis patients. A recently approved, pan-genotypic, direct-acting antiviral regimen, glecaprevir and pibrentasvir, may simplify prescribing. The simplicity of these new therapies, with few side effects, makes it possible for nephrologists to treat HCV infection in their patients on dialysis. We review the workflow and motivation behind nephrology-led management of HCV infection. We highlight the importance of identifying which patients need referral to a hepatologist or HCV specialist prior to treatment and which can be managed by their nephrologist. Nephrologist involvement would lead to improved access to treatment and ensure that appropriate patients are referred for HCV treatment. In this paper, we review the background of HCV infection, its effect on dialysis patients, and impact on kidney transplantation. In addition, we outline the therapy options for each genotype of HCV, and we discuss the benefits and barriers to nephrology-led HCV treatment.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Dialysis
Acute kidney injury develops suddenly and can be caused by pre-renal causes (e.g., hypovolemia, shock), intrinsic renal causes (e.g., acute tubular necrosis), or post-renal causes (e.g., urinary obstruction). In contrast, chronic renal failure progresses gradually over time and is often...
Dialysis
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Hemodialysis I: Introduction
Hemodialysis III: Nursing Management
Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy

