Published date: Mar 31 2021

Journal Title: Sudan Journal of Medical Sciences

Issue title: Sudan JMS: Volume 16 (2021), Issue No. 1

Pages: 111-121

DOI: 10.18502/sjms.v16i1.8942

Farshad TalebianKurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran

Baran ParhizkarKurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran

Behzad MohsenpourResearch Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran

Pezhman SharifiResearch Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran

Amirreza HajatiKurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran

Farshad SheikhesmaeiliKurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran

Background: Recently, interferon-free treatment has been considered for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C due to their high therapeutic success and lack of serious side effects. The combination of Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir is effective in the treatment of the disease because of its pan-genotype. In the present study, the effectiveness of Sovodak, which is a combination of the aforementioned two drugs in one tablet, in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C and cirrhosis was investigated.

Methods: Patients with chronic hepatitis C whose diagnosis was confirmed by HCV RNA–PCR test were included in the study. These patients received one Sovodak tablet daily (for 12 weeks for non-cirrhotic patients and 24 weeks for cirrhotic patients). Sustained virologic response (SVR) was assessed by PCR test 12 weeks after the end of the treatment and one year later. Also, serum levels of liver enzymes, platelet count, and liver stiffness (using elastography method) were measured and their levels were compared before and after treatment in patients.

Results: Findings related to the PCR test in patients showed that the level of SVR was 100% in patients 12 weeks after treatment (SVR-12). In three cirrhotic patients who received only 12 weeks of drug treatment, the disease recurred a year later. According to the results, ALT and AST serum levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.001), and platelet count level was increased (P < 0.001) one year after the end of the treatment period. Also, the liver stiffness index measured using FibroScan was significantly decreased in patients 12 weeks after the end of the treatment (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: The results of this study, in line with other studies, showed the effective role of Sovodak in completely eliminating the HCV virus in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Cirrhotic patients need to receive treatment for at least six months.

Key words: Sovodak, hepatitis C, sustained virologic response, effectiveness, liver cirrhosis

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