Outcomes of the Use of Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy in Patients of Chronic Hepatitis-C of Genotype 3a

Abstract

Objective: To measure the outcomes of direct acting Antiviral therapy in terms of frequency of Hepatocellular carcinoma after its use of in HCV patients infected with 3a genotype and to analyze the efficacy of double and triple regimen in HCV patients of Child Pugh’s class A and B respectively.

Study Design: Quasi- experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: Mayo Hospital, Lahore Pakistan, from May to Dec 2019.

Methodology: After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria 262 patients of 3a genotype were awarded as Child Pugh’s Class A and B and were treated with double and triple regimen for 12 and 24 weeks respectively. They were followed up with Ultrasound Abdomen every month and PCR Quantitative was done for evaluating Sustained Virological Response after 3 months of completing treatment.

Results: Out of 262 patients, 141(53.8%) were male and 121(46.2%) were female. 243(92.7%) patients achieved Sustained Virological Response. 9(3.4%) developed Hepatocellular carcinoma of which 8 were on triple regimen and 1 on double regimen.

Conclusion: direct Acting Antivirals are effective in achieving Sustained Virological Response but pose a greater risk for Hepatocellular carcinoma. So, they should be used with caution and serial monitoring.