Abstract

Background: Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) have changed the treatment landscape of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Sofosbuvir (SOF), as a DAA inhibiting HCV NS5B polymerase, has found a remarkable contribution to the treatment regimens of HCV genotype-2 (HCV-2) and -3 infections. Objectives: In this meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of SOF and Ribavirin (RBV) with or without pegylated-interferon (PegIFN) in the treatment of HCV-2 and -3 infections. Methods: In this meta-analysis, we searched electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science using appropriate and relevant keywords. Based on the results of the heterogeneity test (chi-squared and I-squared), fixed-or random-effects models were used to calculate the pooled sustained virological response (SVR) rates. Results: After removing duplicates and screening of 1408 articles, 16 studies were included in the quantitative synthesis. The pooled SVR rates calculated for the treatment of patients suffering HCV-2 infection were 91.2 (95 CI: 86.6 -95.8) using the SOF + RBV regimen for 12 weeks and 92.6 (95 CI: 87.1 -98.1) using the SOF + RBV + PegIFN regimen for 12 weeks. The pooled SVR calculated for the treatment of patients suffering HCV-3 infection was 53.1 (95 CI: 41 -65.1) using the SOF + RBV regimen for 12 weeks, 81.6 (95 CI: 74.4 -88.7) using the SOF + RBV regimen for 24 weeks, and 93.8 (95 CI: 86.9 -100) using the SOF + RBV + PegIFN regimen for 12 weeks. Conclusions: The combination of SOF and BV with or without PegIFN for 12 weeks is highly efficacious (> 90) for the treatment of patients with HCV-2 infection. However, for the treatment of patients with HCV-3 infection only would 12 weeks of SOF + PegIFN + RBV result in > 90 treatment