Triple therapy using direct-acting agents for recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation: A single-center experience

Background Hepatitis C viral graft reinfection is almost a universal event after liver transplantation with consequent disease progression. Methods We applied triple therapy (n = 21) with the use of telaprevir (TVR; n = 12) or simeprevir (SVR; n = 9). Results TVR was given at the dose 1,500 mg daily (n = 11) with reduced dose of cyclosporine at 25% to 50%, and SVR was given at the dose 100 mg daily with unadjusted cyclosporine, followed by 12 weeks of dual therapy. The early viral response was achieved in 91.7% (n = 11), end of treatment response rate was 91.7% (n = 11), and sustained viral response rate was 83.3% (n = 10) in the TVR group, and respective rates were 88.9% (n = 8), 77.8% (n = 7), and 77.8% (n = 7) in the SVR group. Although granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was not given in the patients with triple therapy, blood transfusion was performed in 7 cases (58.3%) in the TVR group and 1 case (11.1%) in the SVR group. Interferon-mediated graft dysfunction was observed in 4 cases (33.3%) in the TVR group and 3 cases (33.3%) in the SVR group, respectively. The cumulative viral clearance rates in triple (n = 21) and dual (n = 105) therapy were 95.0% and 18.1% at 12 weeks, and 95.0% and 40.0%, respectively, at 24 weeks (P <.01). Conclusions Although careful monitoring for possible adverse events is required during treatment, triple therapy with the use of direct-acting agents are very effective in treating hepatitis C after liver transplantation.