Prospective Study of the HCV-RNA Genotype 3a Diagnosed Patients Treated with Sofosbuvir and Peg Interferon Alpha-3

Taha Nazir; Nida Taha; Halima Sadia; Saeed-ur-Rasheed Nazir; Abdur Rehman; Muhammad Farooq; Misbah Sultana; Safia Sultana Munir

doi:10.37962/jpps.v9i2.548

Taha Nazir Microbiology and Molecular Biology Research Group, Advanced Multiple Incorporation, Mississauga ON Canada.
Nida Taha Nida Taha1 Microbiology and Molecular Biology Research Group, Advanced Multiple Incorporation, Mississauga ON Canada.
Halima Sadia juw
Saeed-ur-Rasheed Nazir College of Pharmacy, University of Sargodha, Sargodha 40100 Pakistan.
Abdur Rehman Professor of Emeritus (Pathology), University of Sargodha; Director - Rehman Lab and Diagnostics, 701-A Satellite Town, Sargodha 40100 Pakistan.
Muhammad Farooq Executive and Pathologist, Arqam Laboratory, Ibn-e-Sina Hospital, Sargodha 40100 Pakistan.
Misbah Sultana University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
Safia Sultana Munir Safia Sultana Munir, Professor, Shalamar medical and dental college, Lahore, Pakistan.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37962/jpps.v9i2.548

Keywords: Sofosbuvir, PEG Interferon alpha, HCV, genotype 3a.

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a global health emergency. Every year, thousands of individuals suffer from HCV. HCV if not treated, may manifest severe hepatic complications, many of which have fatal outcomes. Various therapeutic strategies are currently used to eradicate the virus from the patient’s body. Treatment of the HCV patient depends largely on the genomic typing.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess the comparison between Sofosbuvir and Peg-Interferon alpha in patients diagnosed with HCV RNA genotype 3a.

Methodology: A prospective case cohort study had been conducted in District Headquarter Hospital, Sargodha, Pakistan. Patients diagnosed with HCV genotype 3a were enrolled in the study and randomly divided into 2 groups. Group I was assigned Sofosbuvir 400 mg and group II Peg-Interferon alpha 3 million units. Both the groups were also administered ribavirin. The study was conducted for a period of 24 weeks and efficacy was determined by the decline in the viral RNA load.

Results: Each group had 50 patients of which majority were males. Compared to males, females had higher viral RNA load. However, the efficacy of both the treatment drugs was similar in both the genders. Comparatively, Sofosbuvir group showed better efficacy than Peg-Interferon group with significant difference in mean HCV RNA at the end of the study (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Although, Sofosbuvir and PEG-Interferon both demonstrated efficacy in reducing the viral RNA load, Sofosbuvir is more efficacious and better tolerated in the management of HCV RNA genotype 3a infection.