Successful Retreatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1A Infection With Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir in a Pediatric Patient With Developmental Disorder

BACKGROUND/AIM: Although direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy is now available for pediatric patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the challenges associated with its use are similar to those observed in adults. In pediatric patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1A infection, the granular formulation of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) can make oral administration difficult. CASE REPORT: We report a case of infection in a child with developmental disorder who achieved sustained virologic response after retreatment with a 12-week course of GLE/PIB, following initial treatment failure with GLE/PIB. However, through mother-pharmacy department collaboration, treatment efficacy was achieved by extending the GLE/PIB treatment period in our case, despite initial treatment failure and recurrence. CONCLUSION: Although rare, this single case suggests that prolonged GLE/PIB therapy may be effective following failure with 8-week GLE/PIB therapy.