Efficacy and safety of Sofosbuvir-containing regimens in patients co-infected with chronic hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: The treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in HCV/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infected patients remains complex. This present meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of Sofosbuvir (SOF) for treatment in HCV/HIV co-infected patients using the most recent and available data. METHODS: A systematic search of the published data was conducted in PubMed Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane databases. Eligible studies were clinical trials, case-control studies or prospective cohort studies aiming at assessing the efficacy and safety of the SOF-containing regimens in patients co-infected with HCV and HIV. Heterogeneity of results was assessed and a pooled analysis was performed using random effects model with maximum likelihood estimate and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Subgroup analysis and assessment of publication bias through Egger’s test were also performed. STATA 13.0 software was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Seven studies (n = 1167 co-infected patients) were included in this analysis. The pooled estimate of sustained virological response at 12 weeks (SVR12) was 94.0% (95%CI: 92.0%–95.0%). Subgroup analysis showed that the treatment-naïve patients had higher SVR12 compared with patients that were treated before (χ(2) = 21.39, P < 0.01). The pooled incidence of any adverse events (AEs) was 79.6% (95%CI: 77.1%–82.1%). Publication bias did not exist. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the treatment response of SOF-containing regimens in patients co-infected with HIV and HCV was satisfied. Attention should be paid to the high rates of AEs. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s12985-018-0934-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.