NephroPlus implements provider-driven strategy to combat Hepatitis C in treating Haemodialysis patients

NephroPlus has launched a program to address the challenges of Hepatitis C infection in haemodialysis patients, particularly in low-resource settings. This initiative underscores NephroPlus’ commitment to improving patient outcomes and strengthening the health system. Hepatitis C is a persistent and often silent infection that frequently affects patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis. The clustering of risk factors within dialysis units necessitates robust prevention, screening, and treatment strategies. NephroPlus has implemented a provider-driven approach to effectively address this health system gap, focusing on both patient and systemic benefits.

In a pilot study conducted from 2022 to 2024, NephroPlus screened maintenance haemodialysis patients for Hepatitis C across 11 dialysis clinics in Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, under a public-private partnership program. The screening employed the HCV RNA PCR method, targeting compliant patients below 60 years of age, without comorbidities, and adhering to at least two dialysis sessions per week for three months. Patients found to be carriers of the virus were treated with a combination of Sofosbuvir and Velpatisivir for 12 weeks, with HCV RNA levels assessed post-treatment to determine viral remission.

The study revealed a Hepatitis C prevalence ranging from 2 per cent to 21 per cent across the 11 centers, 114 patients tested positive for the Hepatitis C virus using the HCV Ig M ELISA method. Of these, 94 patients met the inclusion criteria, and 85 consented to participate. Patients had an average age of 45 years, with 80 per cent males and 20 per cent females. All patients were using an arteriovenous fistula access, with an average haemodialysis frequency of 2.5 sessions per week. 

Out of the 85 participants, 37 patients turned out to be HCV RNA PCR negative. This shows that HCV RNA should always be preferred while testing for Hepatitis C. Among the 48 HCV RNA-positive patients, 38 completed the treatment regimen, with 33 achieving viral remission. 

Dr Suresh Sankar, Senior Vice President, Clinical Affairs at NephroPlus, commented, “This groundbreaking program by NephroPlus demonstrates that proactive HCV RNA testing and treatment not only addresses false positivity but also reduces the disease burden and infection risk within dialysis units. The initiative has proven to improve individual patient prognosis and offer cost-effective solutions for the health system.”