ABSTRACT
Interferon-free direct-acting antiviral agent (DAA) therapy is preferred for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients as it exhibits a higher rate of sustained virologic response (SVR), along with reduction in treatment related adverse drug reactions (ADR), which elevates the quality of life (QOL) of patients. The study aims to evaluate the healthrelated quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with CHC, receiving Daclatasvir or velpatasvir (DCV/VEL) therapy, using Short Form-36 (SF-36) as a tool. Methods: The study involves 50 CHC patients receiving DCV/VEL, who’s HRQOL was measured using SF-36. Laboratory investigational data and SVR was recorded, and SF-36 was filled by the patient at baseline (prior to therapy), week 12 (post initiation of therapy), end of treatment (EOT), and week 24 (post initiation of therapy. HRQOL were analyzed at week 24. The association between laboratory data and HRQOL was also evaluated. Results: In regard to HRQOL, statistically significant changes were observed in physical functioning, general health, and emotional role functioning in the period between baseline to week 12 and week 24, respectively. A considerable change was observed in laboratory parameters such as aminotranferases, platelet count, and Fibrosis-4 (Fib-4) index at each time point of study as compared to baseline. Conclusion: It was found that HRQOL of patients with CHC improved significantly along with hepatic functions during the clinical course of interferon-free DAA therapy (DCV/VEL).