Optimal utilization of prime minister funds for treatment of hepatitis C

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis C virus infection is one of the major causes of chronic liver diseases throughout the world. In Pakistan, 10 million people are presumed to be infected with this disease. Hepatitis C virus has been characterized by having a higher rate of spontaneous mutation that leads to a marked degree of heterogeneity among its genotypes. HCV genotype plays an important role in the management of chronic hepatitis C. Knowing the genotype helps to decide about the duration, as well as to predict the response to treatment. But it is an expensive test, and not affordable for majority of patients. HCV RNA by PCR testing is advisable at various stages during the therapy. Early viral response [EVR] is to check the HCV RNA by PCR at 12 weeks, End of treatment response [ETR] is to do the testing at the end of treatment, while Sustained viral Response [SVR] means HCV RNA by PCR testing six months after completion of therapy. All these tests i.e. HCV genotype, EVR, ETR and SVR were checked in these patients