Effect of different direct-acting antiviral regimens for treatment of nondiabetic hepatitis C virus–infected Egyptian patients on insulin resistance and sensitivity

Abstract Background The association between hepatitis C virus (HCV), insulin resistance (IR), and metabolic syndrome has been extensively investigated. Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have a high sustained virologic response (SVR) rate, reaching > 90%. The effect of SVR after DAA treatment on metabolic parameters and IR in nondiabetic patients could be an important factor in the patient’s long-term outcome. The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of different DAA regimens on IR and sensitivity in naïve chronic HCV-infected nondiabetic patients (before and after 12 weeks of treatment). Methods This prospective cohort study was conducted on 100 HCV-infected Child A nondiabetic patients eligible for DAA treatment in the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ain Shams University, and Kobry El-Kobba Military Hospital among patients attending the outpatient clinic. Patients were categorized into four groups according to the HCV regimens they received for 12 weeks. All patient were subjected to the following tests before and 12 weeks after treatment: HCV quantitative PCR, Fibroscan, fasting insulin level (using insulin quantitative test kit), fasting and postprandial blood glucose (PPG), lipid profile, liver enzymes, BMI, and waist circumference. Results All patients achieved SVR at 12 weeks. In all treatment groups, lab was assessed before and after treatment, the 2-h PPG, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein levels showed statistically significant increases, whereas triglyceride, fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1C, and fasting plasma insulin levels showed statistically significant decreases. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) exhibited statistically significant decreases, whereas the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) and Matsuda index showed statistically significant increases, across the four groups. Conclusions DAA treatment in naïve nondiabetic HCV-infected patients affects metabolic profile and insulin resistance/sensitivity, with similar effect among different DAA regimens.