Browsing by Author "Barrera Álvarez, Francisco Benjamín"

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    Direct antivirals for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Experience in 106 patients.
    (2017) Soza Ried, Alejandro; Benítez Gajardo, Carlos Esteban; Barrera Álvarez, Francisco Benjamín; Monrroy Bravo, Hugo Alfonso; Vargas Domínguez, José Ignacio; Arab Verdugo, Juan Pablo; Arrese Jiménez, Marco Antonio; Sarmiento, V.; Fuster, F.
    Background: The availability of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is just starting to expand in Chile. Aim: To report the initial experience of patients treated with DAA and their evolution after treatment. Material and Methods: Prospective cohort study, from June 2013 to August 2016 of patients treated with DAA for HCV in three clinical centers. The presence of cirrhosis, clinical and laboratory features; adverse events (AE) and post-treatment changes in liver function were evaluated. Sustained viral response at 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12) was determined. Results: One hundred six patients aged 58 +/- 13 years, 54% males, were included. HCV genotype 1b was present in 88% and 47% had cirrhosis. Treatment regimens were asunaprevir + daclatasvir (DCV) in 17% of patients, paritaprevir / ritonavir / ombitasvir + dasabuvir in 33%, sofosbuvir (SOF) + DCV in 19%, and SOF + ledipasvir in 30%. Twenty five percent of patients used generic drugs. SVR12 was 92.1%, with no differences between generic and brand-name drugs. Serious AE were recorded in 22% of patients, being more common in those with cirrhosis (34% vs 11.5%, p < 0.01). At 12 weeks post-treatment follow-up, there was a decrease in aminotransferase values (p < 0.01), improvement in Child-Pugh score (5.9 vs. 5.5, p = 0.03) and decreased presence of ascites (p = 0.02). Conclusions: In our setting, DAA for HCV was highly effective and safe in non-cirrhotic patients. Hepatic function and inflammation improved at 12 weeks of follow-up. AE were common in patients with cirrhosis, suggesting that these patients should be treated by experienced teams. Generic drugs had similar effectiveness compared to originals.
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    Emerging Drug Therapies for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Glimpse into the Horizon
    (2024) Arnold Álvarez, Jorge Ignacio; Idalsoaga Ferrer, Francisco Javier; Diaz Piga, Luis Antonio; Cabrera García, Daniel Alejandro; Barrera Álvarez, Francisco Benjamín; Arab Verdugo, Juan Pablo; Arrese Jiménez, Marco Antonio
    Purpose of Review Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and its aggressive form, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), are highly prevalent and can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver failure. Currently, there is no approved pharmacological treatment for MASLD. In this review, we aim to summarize recent data on therapeutic agents under study in phase 2 and 3 trials.Recent FindingsBuilding on a better understanding of MASLD/MASH pathophysiology, a myriad of drugs has been developed. Recent results from clinical trials show promise, with some candidates demonstrating positive outcomes in phase 3 trials that are predictably expected to be approved in the near future. Notably, resmetirom, a thyroid receptor β agonist, is likely to be approved in 2024.SummaryIn the coming years, results from several landmark trials will be available and will likely provide options to prevent progression to cirrhosis and adverse liver outcomes in patients with MASLD/MASH.