Evaluation Of Left Ventricular Function After Sofosbuvir And Daclatasvir Regimen For Chronic Hepatitis C

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Hepatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can lead to cardiovascular complications.
• Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies like sofosbuvir-daclatasvir are highly effective for HCV.
• The cardiac safety profile of DAAs, particularly concerning left ventricular function, requires thorough investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of 12-week sofosbuvir-daclatasvir therapy on left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions.
• To assess changes in echocardiographic parameters including ejection fraction, global longitudinal strain, and wall motion abnormalities.
• To determine if cardiovascular risk factors influence the cardiac impact of this antiviral regimen.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study involving 200 adult patients undergoing sofosbuvir-daclatasvir therapy.
• Patients were categorized into five groups based on cardiovascular risk factors (none, multiple, hypertension, diabetes, smoking).
• Echocardiography was performed at baseline and after 12 weeks to assess left ventricular ejection fraction, global longitudinal strain, wall motion abnormalities, and diastolic function.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant changes were observed in mean ejection fraction, global longitudinal strain, or wall motion abnormalities (p>0.05).
• Significant alterations (p<0.05) were noted in specific parameters of diastolic function across all five patient groups.
• The therapy was generally well-tolerated with no detrimental effects on overall systolic cardiac function.

Conclusions:

• Sofosbuvir-daclatasvir combination therapy does not adversely affect left ventricular systolic function.
• While some diastolic function parameters showed changes, the overall impact on left ventricular function was not detrimental.
• This antiviral regimen appears safe concerning cardiac hemodynamics in patients treated for Hepatitis C.