State and prospects of therapeutic treatment of children with chronic hepatitis C in the Russian Federation

Aim. To determine the number of children with chronic hepatitis C in the Russian Federation, including, who have received antiviral treatment, taking into account their age, the genotype of the virus, as well as the therapy regimens used.

Materials and methods. The analysis of specially developed statistical reporting forms was carried out, the filling of which was carried out in September 2020 by specialists from 268 medical organizations from 37 constituent entities of the Russian Federation, which are part of 8 federal districts.

Results. In September 2020, 2,160 children with chronic hepatitis C virus infection aged 0 to 17 years were under observation in 268 medical organizations, including 50.7% females and 49.3% of males. The number of children in the age group from 12 to 17 years was 42.9%, from 6 to 11 years – 34.5%, from 3 to 5 years – 16.2% and from 0 to 2 years – 6.4%. The genotype of the virus was determined in 1388 (64.3%) children. The proportion of children with genotype 1 was 58.6%, with genotype 3 – 37.2%, with genotype 2 – 4%. Only 141 (8.8%) children with chronic hepatitis C virus infection have been received antiviral therapy. 1465 (91.2%) children were not treated, but 153 (9.5%) of them received therapy earlier, without achieving a sustained virological response. Direct-acting antiviral agents treatment was carried out to 120 children (85.1%), of whom glecaprevir + pibrentasvir was received by 85 children (70.8%) in 20 regions, sofosbuvir + ledipasvir – 14 children (11.7%) in 6 regions, sofosbuvir – 14 children (11.7%) in 6 regions, daklatasvir – 7 children (5.8%) in 4 regions. Children are removed from dispensary observation after achieving a stable virological response in accordance with the current regulatory documents in 26 regions of the Russian Federation (70.3%).

Conclusion. In 2020, less than 10% of children under management received antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus infection in the Russian Federation. It is necessary to approve the state program for the treatment of viral hepatitis, one of the directions of which should be the provision of all children with chronic hepatitis C virus infection with modern highly effective antiviral drugs. It is also necessary to conduct clinical trials to assess the safety and efficacy of direct-acting antiviral agents for children with chronic hepatitis C virus infection in order to ensure the possibility of their earlier prescription.

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