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Peer-reviewedCC BYAdvances in virology

Transition From Interferon-Based Therapy to Direct-Acting Antivirals in Albanian Children With Chronic Hepatitis C: A 17-Year Real-World Experience.

  • Virtut Velmishi1
  • Ermira Dervishi1
  • Gladiola Hoxha1
  • Blerina Saraci1
  • Donjeta Bali1
  • Mirela Xhafa1
  • Mirzana Kapllanaj1
  • Enkeleda Duka1
  • Lila Shundi2
  • Paskal Cullufi1
  1. 1Pediatric Department "Mother Teresa" Hospital Tirana Albania.
  2. 2Institute of Public Health Tirana Albania cam.ac.uk.
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Abstract

Background

Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have transformed the management of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, including in children. However, real-world data from resource-limited settings remain scarce.Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of children with chronic HCV infection treated at the national pediatric hepatology center in Tirana, Albania, between 2007 and 2024. Patients were grouped according to treatment era: interferon-based therapy or DAA regimens. Sustained virologic response (SVR), adverse events, and treatment duration were assessed.Results

Twenty-nine children were included (17 interferon era; 12 DAA era). SVR was achieved in 83% of patients receiving interferon-based therapy and in all patients treated with DAAs. Adverse events were more frequent and clinically significant in the interferon group, whereas only mild events were observed in the DAA group. Treatment duration was substantially shorter with DAAs (8-12 weeks vs. 48 weeks).Conclusions

This real-world experience reflects the transition toward shorter, better-tolerated, and highly effective therapies for pediatric HCV infection. While cross-era comparisons are limited, the findings are consistent with the established efficacy of DAA regimens.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{velmishi2026transition,
  title = {{Transition From Interferon-Based Therapy to Direct-Acting Antivirals in Albanian Children With Chronic Hepatitis C: A 17-Year Real-World Experience.}},
  author = {Virtut Velmishi and Ermira Dervishi and Gladiola Hoxha and Blerina Saraci and Donjeta Bali and Mirela Xhafa and Mirzana Kapllanaj and Enkeleda Duka and Lila Shundi and Paskal Cullufi},
  journal = {Advances in virology},
  year = {2026},
  month = oct,
  doi = {10.1155/av/2405090},
  url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42910232},
  note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Transition From Interferon-Based Therapy to Direct-Acting Antivirals in Albanian Children With Chronic Hepatitis C: A 17-Year Real-World Experience.
AU  - Virtut Velmishi
AU  - Ermira Dervishi
AU  - Gladiola Hoxha
AU  - Blerina Saraci
AU  - Donjeta Bali
AU  - Mirela Xhafa
AU  - Mirzana Kapllanaj
AU  - Enkeleda Duka
AU  - Lila Shundi
AU  - Paskal Cullufi
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/10/21
JO  - Advances in virology
DO  - 10.1155/av/2405090
UR  - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42910232
AB  - Background  Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have transformed the management of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, including in children. However, real-world data from resource-limited settings remain scarce.Methods  We conducted a retrospective study of children with chronic HCV infection treated at the national pediatric hepatology center in Tirana, Albania, between 2007 and 2024. Patients were grouped according to treatment era: interferon-based therapy or DAA regimens. Sustained virologic response (SVR), adverse events, and treatment duration were assessed.Results  Twenty-nine children were included (17 interferon era; 12 DAA era). SVR was achieved in 83% of patients receiving interferon-based therapy and in all patients treated with DAAs. Adverse events were more frequent and clinically significant in the interferon group, whereas only mild events were observed in the DAA group. Treatment duration was substantially shorter with DAAs (8-12 weeks vs. 48 weeks).Conclusions  This real-world experience reflects the transition toward shorter, better-tolerated, and highly effective therapies for pediatric HCV infection. While cross-era comparisons are limited, the findings are consistent with the established efficacy of DAA regimens.
SN  - 1687-8639
SN  - 1687-8647
ER  -