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

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.