Eradication of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Thalassemia Patients in Iran Using Various Treatment Strategies

Abstract Background Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is considered as one of the leading causes of liver disease in thalassemic patients in Iran. Over 40% of the mortality in these patients is related to HCV. Objectives The present study aimed at estimating HCV prevalence in thalassemic patients in Iran and to determine the number of infections until eradication is achieved. Methods A meta-analysis approach was used to estimate the number of HCV-infected thalassemic patients in the country. The prevalence rate was measured using a modeling approach to predict the number of cases until eradication using several scenarios in terms of testing and treatment, in particular the use of direct acting antiviral drugs (DAAs). Results With the advent of DAAs with a high rate of treatment success, HCV could be eradicated earlier than originally thought among this group of patients. Based on previous predictions the number of HCV-infected thalassemic patients would have been below 66 by 2020. However, according to our predictions, the number will be less than 10 when using DAAs. Conclusion We believe that HCV eradication can be achieved in thalassemic patients with an increased life expectancy by funding DAA-based new treatment strategies. This has been exemplified in Alborz, Lorestan, and South Khorasan provinces with HCV eradication in this group of patients.