Direct-acting antiviral treatment of acute hepatitis C virus infections

Abstract

Hepatitis C contributes to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. AHCV is defined as documented infection within 6 months of exposure. Treating acute hepatitis C virus (AHCV) with direct-acting antiviral agents in persons who inject drugs, HIV-positive men who have sex with men, and patients who acquire HCV nosocomially can contribute to the elimination of disease globally, preclude the morbidity and mortality of chronic disease, and prevent further transmission. Areas covered: In this review, we describe the epidemiology of AHCV, its natural history, the considerations involved in the decision of whether to treat AHCV, and the most current DAA therapy guidelines. PubMed was queried using key words and bibliographies were evaluated for relevant articles. Expert commentary: Despite the obvious benefits of AHCV treatment, clinical management is limited by the ability to identify asymptomatic cases and the absence of fully supported guidelines. However, clinical research is advancing and identifying specific regimens, decreasing treatment durations, and creating strategies to target at risk groups and screen for AHCV.

Potential interactions between pangenotypic direct-acting antivirals and concomitant cardiovascular therapies in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection

“…Many DIs arise from drug metabolism mediated by cytochrome P450 (isoenzyme CYP3A) and/or P-glycoprotein transport. 6,7 For several years, treatment regimens were used according to the HCV genotype in each individual patient. However, current DAAs are pangenotypic (pDAAs) and are effective against all HCV genotypes.…”

“…Many DIs arise from drug metabolism mediated by cytochrome P450 (isoenzyme CYP3A) and/or P-glycoprotein transport. 6,7…”