Abstract: Objective To explore the efficacy and short-term safety of elbasvir/grazoprevir (EBR/GZR) in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) genotype 1b in children.Methods The children infected with genotype 1b hepatitis C virus enrolled from January 2019 to March 2022 were given EBR/GZR treatment for 12 weeks, and followed-up for biochemical and virological indicators for 12 weeks after drug withdrawal. The main efficacy indicators were the sustained virological response (SVR) obtained at the end of the treatment and the occurrence of adverse reactions during the treatment. Results There were 5 CHC children, with 3 males and 2 females, and an average of 7.68 years. There were 2 cases of mother transmission, 1 of grandfather transmission, 1 of father transmission, and 1 was unknown of the transmission route. The SVR of EBR/GZR treatment for 4, 8, 12 weeks, and 12 weeks after drug withdrawal were 60%, 100%, 100% and 100%, respectively. In all patients alanine transferase and aspartate transferase returned to normal after 4 weeks of treatment. For the adverse reactions, there was only 1 case with slightly nausea. Conclusion EBR/GZR was effective and safe for the treatment of CHC genotype 1b children.

Key words: Chronic hepatitis C, Children, Elbasvir/grazoprevir, Curative effect, Safety