Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is universal. Side effects of its treatment are observed in many patients. The present study was designed to evaluate treatment outcome and side effects of the treatment in chronic HCV infection. MATERIALS & METHODS: The current study was conducted prospectively on patients with hepatitis C infection. They had been treated with the standard drug regimen, if indicated. They were followed for treatment response, side effects of therapy, and its related factors. FINDINGS: From ninety one patients, eighty four persons finished their treatment course. They comprised 71 (84.5%) males and 13 (15.5%) females. Their mean age was 41.5 ± 11.90 years (20-69 years). Genotype 3 was the most common virus genotype (51.2%). Sustained virologic response (SVR) was 84.5% for genotype 3 and 47.5% for genotype 1. Decrease in hemoglobin (43%), weakness and fatigue (26%), neutropenia (13%), and thrombocytopenia (13%) were the most common side effects of the treatment. Seven patients can not finish their treatment course, because of the side effects. CONCLUSION: Genotype 3, viral load less than 600000, and more than 3- fold rise in AST are associated with higher SVR. Early administration of the added drugs such as erythropoietin and G-CSF to not reduce the drug doses were also influential.