Efficacy of Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir in the Treatment of Chronic Hepatits C Viral Infection

Aim: To know the efficacy of combined therapy with sofosbuvir and daclatasvir, in patients suffering from chronic hepatitis C viral infection in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Study Design: Descriptive case series study. Place and duration of study: Department of Gastroenterology, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan, from 1stOctober 2017 to 28th February 2019. Methodology: Ninety eight patients were suffering from chronic hepatitis C infection enrolled. All patients were treated with sofosbuvir 400 mg and daclatasvir 60 mg daily for a period of three to six months. Ribavirin was added to the treatment of patients where indicated. All patients were followed 24 weeks after completion of treatmentto know the outcome in terms of sustained virological response (SVR). Results: The mean age of patients was 42.16±11.65 years, with 43 males and 55 females. Fifty one patients that received sofosbuvir and daclatasvir, achieved SVR rate of 88.23% (45/51) while 47 patients who were given sofosbuvir, daclatasvir and ribavirin , achieved SVR rate of 89.36 % (42/47). Six months after completing 12 to 24 weeks of treatment, a follow up PCR was done. The SVR rate, 24 weeks post treatment was 88.77% (87/98). The most common side effects observed were generalized body aches 24%, fatigue 21%, headache 10% and fever 6%. Conclusion: Once daily oral daclatasvir 60mg combined with sofosbuvir 400mg, with or without ribavirin proved effective, with SVR rate of 88.77%, in patients infected with chronic hepatitis C viral infection. Keywords: Direct acting antiviral, Chronic hepatitis C, Sustained virological response, Ribavirin, Efficacy, Sofosbuvir,