Efficacy and safety of interferon-free regimens in patients affected by chronic hepatitis C and psychiatric disorders

Abstract The presence of psychiatric disorders (PD) in patients affected by chronic hepatitis C (CHC) was a major contraindication for the treatment with interferon (IFN)-based regimens. The novel IFN-free approach using the direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) is an interesting and promising chance for these subjects. In this retrospective analysis we focused the attention on the virological response and safety of CHC patients affected by PD and treated with IFN-free regimens. 136 subjects were enrolled in this study. Treatment naive were 78 (57.3), experienced 58 (42.6%). Major depression was present in 25 patients (18.4%), anxiety disorders in 37 (27.2%), bipolar disorders in 23 (16.9%), schizophrenia in 17 (12.5%), behavioral disturbance in 21 (15.4%), psychosis in 13 (9.5%). Psychoactive medication taken by patients were: benzodiazepines (n = 29, 21.3%), antidepressants (n = 24, 17.6%), neuroleptics (n = 29, 21.3%), mood stabilizers (n = 19, 14%), combinations of different drugs (n = 17, 12.5%). Sustained virological response at 12 weeks of follow-up (SVR12) was observed in 128 patients (94.1%), drop-out were 3 (2.2%). No adverse events or significant drug-related side-effects were reported. The treatment with novel IFN-free therapies against CHC were higher effective and well tolerated also in patients with PD taking psychoactive medications.