Successful Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus by Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir in a Cirrhotic Patient with Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia Minor

Abstract

Around 8% of patients diagnosed with sickle cell disease (SCD) are hepatitis C virus (HCV) carriers. Previously, HCV treatment was seldom considered in SCD patients, as the ribavirin-induced hemolysis and interferon-induced cytopenias could lead to more profound anemia. Nowadays, several oral direct-acting antiviral drugs have been developed and approved by the FDA for hepatitis C treatment. While direct-acting antivirals mitigate many of these risks, their safety and efficacy in SCD patients remains insufficiently explored. Here, we report on successfully treating HCV with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir in a compensated cirrhotic patient with SCD and thalassemia minor.

Keywords

• Hepatitis C virus
• Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir
• Sickle cell disease