Hepatitis C in healthcare personnel: follow-up analysis of treatments with direct-acting antiviral agents

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C infections (HCV) are associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to update the results of treatment with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) using a larger population of healthcare personnel (HP) and a longer observation period.

METHODS: Secondary data analysis of DAA treatment administered to HP (with confirmed occupational acquired HCV infection) between 1 January 2014 and 30 December 2018, is based on statutory accident insurance data from Germany. The end points of the study were results of a monitoring carried out 12 and 24 weeks after the end of treatment (sustained virological response, SVR), as well as side effects and the assessment of reduced work ability after treatment. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to investigate predictors of SVR.

RESULTS: The study population (n = 305) mainly comprised HP with a genotype 1 infection. The average age was 63 (SD 10) and 77% were female. Two thirds of the HP suffered from fibrosis or cirrhosis, and had experience of treatment. Statistically, men were significantly more likely to suffer from cirrhosis than women (60% compared to 21%, p < 0.001). The end-of-treatment response (ETR) rate was 99% and the SVR12 and SVR24 rates were 98%. Liver cirrhosis proved to be a predictor of a statistically significant reduction in success rates.

CONCLUSION: DAA treatment leads to high SVR. Early HCV treatment is associated with higher SVR.