RESUMEN
Background: Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus is a fatal infection that has a very high case fatality rate. It is highly infectious and there is no recommended treatment for it. Oral ribavirin is the most commonly used drug and has variety of side effect profile
Objective: To determine the frequency of side effects in cases taking oral ribavirin for post Crimean Congo virus exposure prophylaxis
Methodology: This cross sectional study study was conducted at Medical and Emergency Department, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar khan from 1 January to 31 December 2016 on suspected cases of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever [CCHF] virus exposure. The cases were suspected on this basis of signs and symptoms of hemorrhagic fever and negative Dengue serology. Oral Ribavirin was given in 2 grams [gm] loading dose, 4 gm/ day for 4 days and then 2 gm/ day for next 6 days in divided doses. The cases were then followed for development of nausea/ vomiting, anemia, jaundice, generalized aches and pains and insomnia. The results were collected and recorded and analyzed by using SPSS version 22
Results: In this study, there were total 32 cases that were started on ribavirin prophylaxis. Two cases quit prophylaxis early. Out of total 30 cases left that completed the prophylaxis, 17 [56.67%] were males and 13 [43.33%] females. The mean age and weight were 32.86 +/- 7.05 years and 45.66 +/- 7.74 kg respectively. Side effect profiles were seen in 24 [80%] cases. The most common side effect was nausea/vomiting seen in 18 [60%] cases, generalized aches and pains in 17 [56.67%], anemia in 12 [40%] cases, jaundice in 11 [36.67%] and insomnia in 4 [13.33%] cases. There was no significant difference of side effects in terms of age, gender, and weight group with p values of 0.63, 0.49, and 0.25 respectively
Conclusion: Oral ribavirin is commonly used for CCHF virus exposure prophylaxis and has a very high side effect profile among which GI side effect and generalized aches and pains are the most common