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Abstract Background The FDA authorized the use of sofosbuvir-based therapy in persons with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 4 and 5 and in those on maintenance hemodialysis (HD). It has been known that treatment efficacy might be affected by virus- and host-related parameters. The aim of this study was to identify the response rate of sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir in CKD stage 4/5 and HD patients. The secondary aim was to identify the predictors of treatment failure. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 55 HCV-infected patients recruited from Alexandria University hospitals. The study included patients on maintenance HD or CKD stages 4–5. Baseline characteristics and SNP genotyping of the IFNL4 rs368234815 variant were addressed as possible predictors of response. The participants received sofosbuvir alongside daclatasvir with or without ribavirin for 3–6 months, according to the EASL guidelines. The response was evaluated by testing serum HCV RNA using PCR 12 weeks after treatment. Results Only 29 patients achieved sustained virologic response (SVR) (52.7%). Non-responders had statistically significantly lower hemoglobin, platelets, and albumin, while they had higher INR, liver enzymes, bilirubin, and APRI scores. FIB-4 scores were significantly lower among responders (1.64 ± 0.74 versus 4.81 ± 1.82) (p

Abstract Background Behçet’s disease gives a challenge to be diagnosed and followed up due to lack of specific biomarkers. MicroRNAs showed relations to different disease states including immunological and inflammatory illnesses. In this study, we are estimating microRNA548ac levels for the first time to be tested in the disease to see if there is a link to disease activity and if microRNA548ac can be used as a biomarker for activity or remission and prognosis of Behçet’s disease. MicroRNA548ac has been shown to have a role in autoimmunity and some inflammatory conditions. Blood samples were taken from patients to measure white blood cells expression of microRNA548ac, and compared to its expression in healthy subjects, disease activity was assessed by usage of Behçet’s Disease Current Activity Form (BDCAF). Results MicroRNA548ac expression decreased but not significantly with increased Behçet’s disease activity, and expression was having a significant positive correlation with increased treatment response history. Conclusions MicroRNA548ac appeared not to be related to disease activity which needs confirmation in further studies, but it may predict response to treatment so that patients having higher expression of microRNA548ac may have a better response to treatment. Here, microRNA548ac could be used as a disease biomarker for disease prognosis.