Clinical trials have recently shown that treatment of HCV infection in children under the age of 18 years is safe and effective. Regimens that are available for the treatment of children aged under 18 years in Australia include sofosbuvir plus velpatasvir and glecaprevir plus pibrentasvir. [56-58] The Australian product information for glecaprevir plus pibrentasvir now includes treatment for children aged 3 years or older (no dose adjustment is required for children aged 12 years or older or those weighing > 45 kg).
The Australian product information for sofosbuvir plus velpatasvir includes treatment for children who are both aged 12 years or older and weigh > 30 kg, with no dose adjustment required. Children aged under 18 years should be referred to a paediatrician who is experienced in the treatment of HCV for discussion about therapy. A document providing specific guidance on the treatment of HCV infection in children under the age of 18 years is now available on the websites of GESA and the Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine.[59]