Update on the Management of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the Setting of Chronic Kidney Disease and Kidney Transplantation

Abstract: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the major global health burdens. Chronic HCV infection can increase the risks of proteinuria and chronic […]

Hepatitis C Virus Treatment in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease and in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Abstract: An important interplay exists between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and chronic kidney disease (CKD). HCV infection is associated with an increased risk of […]

Direct-Acting Antiviral Medications for Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Abstract: Treatment of hepatitis C virus has traditionally been difficult because of low rates of treatment success and high rates of treatment discontinuation due to side effects. Current standard therapy consists of pegylated interferon α and ribavirin, both of which have nonspecific and largely unknown mechanisms of action. New therapies are in development that act directly on the hepatitis C virus at various points in the viral life cycle. Published clinical trial data on these therapies are summarized in this paper. A new era of hepatitis C virus treatment is beginning, the ultimate goals of which will be directly targeting the virus, shortening the length of therapy, improving sustained virologic response rates, and minimizing side effects.