Relative changes in hepatitis-C virus RNA titre and serum ALT levels before, during and after treatment with interferon and ribavirin

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis C is commonly treated with Interferon and Ribavirin combination therapy. The aim of this study was to find the relative change in the Hepatitis C virus [HCV] RNA titre and serum alamine aminotransferase [ALT] levels before, during and after completion of treatment with Interferon [IFN] and Ribavirin therapy in HCV positive patients. This cross- sectional descriptive study was conducted from May 2010 to August 2010. Seventy hepatitis C patients reporting to the Laboratory of Army Medical College, Rawalpindi, were included in the study. Blood samples were first subjected to centrifugation and stored at -20[degree sign] C till tested. HCV RNA titre was determined by Real Time PCR while ALT estimation on serum samples was done on Selectra-E by kinetic method. The age, gender and treatment status of the patients was also recorded. In a total of 70 patients, 30% were females while 70% were males. The mean age of patients was 38 +/- 11 yrs. On applying, analysis of variance [ANOVA], we found that the change in serum ALT level was significant [F = 6.044 and p = 0.004] while it was not significant in case of HCV RNA [F = 1.93 and p = 0.153] treatment with Inj. IFN and Ribavirin. There is a definite decreasing trend in the serum ALT levels while no definite relationship of the HCV RNA level to the treatment with combination therapy with IFN and Ribavirin