HEMATOLOGICAL SIDE EFFECTS OF ANTI-VIRAL THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS C

ABSTRACT
Background: This study was carried out to determine the frequency of hematological side effects of anti viral therapy
in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Methods: This cross sectional descriptive study was carried out in the department of gastroenterology, Hayatabad
Medical Complex, Peshawar from March to December 2010. A total of 107 patients were included in the study. Non-probability
convenience sampling technique was used. Patients with chronic hepatitis C with baseline hemoglobin (Hb),
total leukocyte count (ANC) and platelet count (PLT) within the normal reference ranges, treated by interferon Alfa
2a and oral Ribavirin were included. All patients were assessed for Hemoglobin, Neutrophil count and platelet count
fortnightly in the first month. Thereafter, a monthly follow up was instituted till the completion of therapy i.e. 6 months.
Data was analyzed using statistical software SPSS version 10.0.
Results: 107 patients, 51(47.70%) male and 56(52.30%) females were included in the study. There was a drop of
about 2 gm/dL of mean Hb, 2310.64/mm3 of mean TLC and 29719.63/mm3 of mean platelet count from baseline at 6
months of therapy, Anemia (i.e. Hb <12g/dl in men and < 11g/dl in women) were observed in 74.77% patients. Clinically
significant anemia (i.e. Hb <10 gm/dL) developed in 26.2%, Neutropenia (i.e. ANC < 1500/mm3) in 18.7% and
thrombocytopenia (i.e. platelet <150000/mm3) in 48.6% of patients at 6 months 0f therapy.
Conclusion: Interferon and ribavirin has significant adverse effects on hematological parameters.
Key Words: Chronic hepatitis C, Antiviral therapy, Anemia, Neutropenia, Thrombocytopenia