Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir Prophylaxis for 12 Weeks in Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)-Negative Recipients Receiving Kidney Transplantation from HCV-Positive Donors

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir prophylaxis in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-negative recipients who received a transplant kidney from HCV-infected donors. MATERIAL/METHODS: This retrospective cohort study enrolled consecutive HCV-negative recipients between January 2019 and February 2021. All the recipients were treated with Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir (400 mg/100 mg) once daily for 12 weeks after receiving a transplant kidney from HCV-infected donors. We collected data on renal function and liver function and HCV RNA were collected during the study. We also compared the rates of adverse events. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients were included in the cohort. All the recipients (100%) completed 12 weeks of treatment and the entire follow-up. All recipients (100%) had negative HCV RNA, but 4 recipients (15.4%) were HCV antibody (Ab)-positive after transplantation. Fifteen adverse events (57.7%) occurred during the study. Three recipients (11.5%) experienced graft rejection, 6 recipients (23.1%) had delayed graft function, and 3 recipients (11.5%) had bleeding. However, none of them were related to study medication. Renal function was stable in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir pre- and post-transplantation treatment was effective and safe in HCV-uninfected recipients who received a transplant kidney from HCV-infected donors.