BACKGROUND

The side effects profile of the new direct--acting antivirals for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is not fully elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

In this cross-sectional study, we aim to describe the incidence and characteristics of a novel observation of de novo renal cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis after successful treatment with DAA.

METHODS

A total of 12,985 Hepatitis C Patients (genotype IV) received the new DAA. After successful treatment, patients with deranged renal functions or proteinuria were referred to the nephrology department for assessment. The clinical manifestations ranged from lower limb edema to the development of purpura skin lesions. Cryoglobulins were tested in the serum using the PCR detection.

RESULTS

Fifty patients had detectable de novo cryoglobulins in the serum. The most common type in renal biopsies was membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (52%) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) developed in 46% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

De novo cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis and progression to CKD may rarely complicate successful treatment of HCV using direct-acting antivirals.