ENHANCED HEPATITIS C TREATMENT OUTCOMES WITH DACLATASVIR IN HIV-POSITIVE ATHLETES: A META-ANALYSIS

Abstract

Objective: This meta-analysis assesses the efficacy and safety of daclatasvir (DCV)-based treatment regimens for athletes co-infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Methods: Relevant studies published up to December 2021 were retrieved from databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The primary outcome, sustained virological response at 12 weeks (SVR12), was analyzed using a random effects model with Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation. Adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs) were also evaluated. Results: The meta-analysis incorporated data from thirteen studies involving 2401 participants. The pooled SVR12 rate was 92.8% (95%CI: 88.7%–96.1%). The incidence of AEs and SAEs was 58.3% (95%CI, 20.3-91.4%) and 3.3% (95%CI, 0.4-8.2%), respectively. Subgroup analyses indicated consistent efficacy across various DCV dosages, treatment regimens, and HCV genotypes. Conclusion: DCV-containing treatment regimens are highly effective and safe for managing HCV/HIV co-infection in athletic populations. This finding supports the integration of such treatments in the healthcare management of infected athletes, emphasizing minimal disruption to athletic performance and health.