EFFECTIVENESS AND SAFETY OF DIRECT ACTING ANTIVIRAL AGENTS IN THALASSAEMIC PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS C

Authors

  • Arit Parkash National Institute Of Child Health Karachi
  • Ayesha Altaf Merchant National Institute Of Child Health Karachi
  • Syed Habib Ahmed National Institute Of Child Health Karachi
  • Wajid Hussain National Institute Of Child Health Karachi
  • Muhammad Hayat Hayat National Institute Of Child Health Karachi
  • Nadeem Ahmed Memon National Institute Of Child Health Karachi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55519/JAMC-03-9433

Keywords:

Sofosbuvir, Daclatasvir, Thalassemia, Hepatitis C

Abstract

Background: Pakistan has the highest prevalence of Β-Thalassemia major in children and Chronic Hepatitis C (HCV) infection is a common transfusion transmitted infection. After the emergence of new generations of Antiviral drugs labelled as Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs), substantial eradication of HCV has been reported as 90–95% with fewer side effects as compared to older regimen of Peginterferon with or without Ribavirin. The main objective of this study was to assess the Rapid virological response (RVR) at 4th week, End of treatment response (ETR) at 12th week and sustained viral response (SVR) at 24th week achieved by using direct acting antiviral and to assess their safety. Methods: Retrospective descriptive study was conducted from July 2018 to July 2020 at National Institute of Child Health. All β-thalassemia major paediatric patients with HCV infection and age between 3–14 years were included. Demographic data, liver function test, HCV PCR, and response of antiviral therapy was recorded and analyzed. Safety was determined by adverse effects reported in records and efficacy was documented by clearance of HCV-RNA to see ETR and SVR. Results: Total 21 patients were treated. Mean age was 7.67±3yr and 12 (57%) were male. Mean weight was 19.3±3.2kg. RVR and ETR was achieved in all (100%) and SVR was achieved in 20/21 (95%) patients. Headache in 2(9.5%) and generalized body ache was found in 1 (4.25%) patient. Conclusion: Combined Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir were found to be effective and safe for treating HCV in Thalassaemia Major Children.

Author Biographies

Arit Parkash, National Institute Of Child Health Karachi

Assistant Professr Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology ward

Ayesha Altaf Merchant, National Institute Of Child Health Karachi

Senior Registrar Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology ward

Syed Habib Ahmed, National Institute Of Child Health Karachi

Assistant Professor Hematology and Oncology ward

Wajid Hussain , National Institute Of Child Health Karachi

Assstant Professor Infectious disease department 

Muhammad Hayat Hayat, National Institute Of Child Health Karachi

Senior Registrar  Emergency unit

Nadeem Ahmed Memon, National Institute Of Child Health Karachi

Senior Registrar Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology ward

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Published

2022-06-23

Issue

Vol. 34 No. 3 (2022): JOURNAL OF AYUB MEDCIAL COLLEGE ABBOTTABAD

Section

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

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