| Theme |
Integrated Care -- evolving model in nephrology and dialysis |
| Title |
Anti-HCV therapy for hemodialysis patients -- the need for cooperation between hepatologist and dialysis physician |
| Author |
Goki Suda |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University |
| Author |
Megumi Kimura |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University |
| Author |
Jun Ito |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University |
| Author |
Naoya Sakamoto |
Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University |
| [ Summary ] |
The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is high in HD patients. The prognosis and renal allograft survival in HCV-infected dialysis patients is significantly worse than in patients with normal renal function. Therefore, anti-HCV therapy for HCV-infected dialysis patients has been recommended. Until recently, standard treatment was interferon monotherapy. However, this did not achieve sustained, high viral response rates, and the rate of adverse events and treatment discontinuation was high in dialysis patients. Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) that specifi cally target viral proteins have been developed. Reports have shown high efficacy and safety for daclatasvir and asunaprevir combination therapy for HCV-infected dialysis patients. These novel anti-HCV treatments for dialysis patients require collaboration between the hepatologist and nephrologist. |