Clinical and Molecular Hepatology (Jun 2018)

Evolution of glomerular filtration rates and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin during treatment with direct acting antivirals

  • Alessio Strazzulla,
  • Giuseppe Coppolino,
  • Giorgio Settimo Barreca,
  • Innocenza Gentile,
  • Laura Rivoli,
  • Maria Concetta Postorino,
  • Maria Mazzitelli,
  • Giuseppe Greco,
  • Chiara Costa,
  • Vincenzo Pisani,
  • Nadia Marascio,
  • Mariadelina Simeoni,
  • Alfredo Focà,
  • Giorgio Fuiano,
  • Daniela Foti,
  • Elio Gulletta,
  • Carlo Torti

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3350/cmh.2017.0059
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 24, no. 2
pp. 151 – 162

Abstract

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Background/Aims Correct renal function evaluation is based on estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) and complementary renal damage biomarkers, such as neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL). The aim of this study was to evaluate eGFR and NGAL modifications and renal impairment during treatment with a direct acting antiviral (DAA) for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Methods A retrospective cohort study evaluated eGFR modification during treatment with DAA. Subgroup analysis on serum NGAL was conducted in those receiving sofosbuvir/ledipasvir, with complete follow-up until week 12 after the end of treatment (FU-12). Results In the 102 enrolled patients, eGFR reduction was observed (from 86.22 mL/min at baseline to 84.43 mL/min at FU-12, P=0.049). Mean NGAL increased in 18 patients (from 121.89 ng/mL at baseline to 204.13 ng/mL at FU-12, P=0.014). At FU-12, 38.8% (7/18) of patients had a plasmatic NGAL value higher than the normal range (36-203 ng/mL) compared with 11.1% (2/18) at baseline (χ2 =3,704; P=0.054). In contrast, eGFR did not change significantly over the follow-up in this subgroup. Conclusions In conclusion, compared to a negligible eGFR decline observed in the entire cohort analyzed, a significant NGAL increase was observed after HCV treatment with DAA in a small subgroup. This could reflect tubular damage during DAA treatment rather than glomerular injury.

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