Real-world Outcomes of Hepatitis C Treatment during the Interferon-free Era at an Urban Safety-net Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about real-world outcomes for new interferon-free treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) among underserved and diverse communities.

OBJECTIVE: To identify predictors of treatment prescription and evaluate outcomes as measured by sustained virologic response (SVR) with HCV RNA testing three months after therapy completion.

DESIGN: Retrospective cohort at a safety-net health care system.

PARTICIPANTS: Patients with (1) at least one clinical visit between December 6, 2013, and December 31st 2014; and (2) at least three months follow-up.

KEY RESULTS: Predominantly non-White cohort (61%). Of 1,284 HCV-infected patients 121 prescribed sofosbuvir-based therapy. Severe liver fibrosis (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.05, 2.64) independently associated with treatment prescription. In those with evaluable HCV RNA, SVR was 99%.

CONCLUSION: Cure rates similar to clinical trial data can be achieved in diverse underserved communities.