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EARLY VIROLOGICAL RESPONSE OF CHRONIC HEPATITIS C GENOTYPE 3 VIRUS INFECTION TO SOFOSBUVIR AND RIBAVIRIN AT 12 WEEKS (EVR).

Dr. Taj Mohammad Khan, Dr. Muhammad Bilal, Dr. Salman Khan, Dr. Muhammad Tariq Mehr, Nisar Khan, Dr. Atta Ullah Khan, Muhammad Ismail Khan

Background: Chronic hepatitis C is a global problem and is particularly concentrated in the developing world. There is paucity of literature regarding management of chronic hepatitis C in lower- & middle-income countries. Objectives: The aim of this study was to present management strategies in chronic hepatitis C virus infections using the novel chemotherapeutic drugs. Materials &Methods:This is a prospective cohort study of six months duration which was conducted at the department of internal medicine, Mufti Mehmood Teaching Hospital, Dear Ismail Khan. We included adult (14-75 Years) hepatitis C positive patients detected on PCR from both genders. Follow up PCR was performed at 12 weeks. Hepatitis C virus genotyping was also done before starting antiviral therapy. Excluded cases were recurrent C infection, cirrhotic, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, hypersensitivity to the chemotherapeutics and those with multiple hepatic viral infections. Data was collected about patient demographics, inclusion PCR results, treatment details, and follow-up PCR readings. Results: A total of 115 patients were included in this study. There were 60 (52.2%) males and 55 (47.8%) females. The age range was 14 to 75 years with a mean age of 40.02 ± 13.09 years. Among the 114 cases who underwent PCR at 12 weeks, 111 (96.5%) cases were clear and no viral RNA was detected. Conclusion: Sofosbuvir and ribavirin combination treatment is very effective in chronic hepatitis C genotype 3 patients, associated with negligible side effectsand tolerated much better. Key Words:Sofosbuvir, HCV infection, Early Virologic Response (EVR)

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