Title:Direct-acting Antivirals Inducing HCV-RNA Sustained Suppression
Improve Xerophthalmia in HCV-infected Patients
Volume: 17
Issue: 2
Author(s): Benedetto Caroleo, Lidia Colangelo, Maria Donato, Marco Balestrieri, Mauro Soda, Caterina Palleria, Gianluca Sambataro, Sonia Cosentino, Lucia Muraca, Teresa Alcaro, Vincenzo Scorcia, Giovambattista De Sarro and Luca Gallelli*
Affiliation:
- Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Operative
Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Mater Domini University Hospital, Catanzaro, Italy
- Research Center FAS@UMG, Viale Europa 88100 - Catanzaro, Italy
Keywords:
HCV-infection, dry-eye, direct antiviral agents, schirmer's test, DAAs treatment, xerophthalmia.
Abstract:
Background: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection represents a global problem, and it is
related to both hepatic and extra-hepatic manifestations (e.g., xerophthalmia). New direct-acting antivirals
(DAAs), IFN-free treatments, are commonly used to manage HCV infection. However, the
impact of new DAAs on dry eyes (xerophthalmia) is lacking. In this study, we evaluated its incidence
in HCV patients and the effect of DAAs on this manifestation.
Methods: We performed an observational open-label non-randomized study in HCV patients from
01 April 2018 to 01 June 2020.
Results: Patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria underwent clinical and laboratory evaluation,
Schirmer's test, and Break-up time test. Enrolled patients were divided in two groups: Group 1:
HCV patients with xerophthalmia: 24 patients (16 male and 8 female), HCV-RNA 2,685,813 ±
1,145,698; Group 2: HCV patients without xerophthalmia: 35 patients (19 male and 16 female),
HCV-RNA 2,614,757 ± 2,820,433. The follow-ups (3 and 6 months after the enrollment) documented
an improvement in both eyes’ manifestations and HCV-infection (HCV-RNA undetected).
Conclusion: In conclusion, in this study, we reported that xerophthalmia could appear in HCV patients,
and DAAs treatment reduces this manifestation without the development of adverse drug reactions.
