Abstract:

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the direct-acting anti-HCV therapy based on the efavirenz (EFV)-containing regimen in patients with co-infection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV).Methods A total of 21 HIV/HCV co-infected patients treated with the direct-acting anti-HCV therapy using sofosbuvir/velpatasvir in the EFV-containing regimens for HIV from January 2020 to September 2023 in the Department of Infectious Diseases of the Third People's Hospital of Wuzhou were collected. The treatment duration was 12 weeks, followed by a 12-week follow-up period after cessation of treatment. Baseline characteristics of the patients were analyzed. Changes in white blood cells, hemoglobin, platelets, liver and kidney function before and after treatment were compared to evaluate the efficacy of direct anti-HCV therapy based on the anti-HIV condition, and the sustained virologic response rate and safety at 12 weeks after cessation of treatment. Results All 21 HIV/HCV co-infected patients achieved a 100% of HCV viral response rate after receiving sofosbuvir/velpatasvir treatment for 12 weeks and a 12-week follow-up period under EFV-containing regimens for HIV. Serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels of all patients were significantly lower than those before treatment (P<0.01), while there were no significant changes in white blood cells, platelets, serum creatinine compared to before treatment (P>0.05).Conclusion Direct-acting anti-HCV treatment under EFV-containing regimens for HIV in HIV/HCV co-infected patients is effective without significant toxic side effects.

Key words: HIV/HCV co-infection, containing EFV regimen for anti-HIV, sophobuvir/vepatavir against HCV, efficacy and safety