HEP-NET OPINION ABOUT THE MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS C IN PAKISTAN IN THE ERA OF AVAILABLE DIRECT ACTING ANTIVIRALS

Abstract

In Pakistan, we have 4.9% prevalence of HCV in general population, with 79% genotype 3. Recently Sofosbuvir has been made available at compassionate price in Pakistan. Management of chronic hepatitis C includes counseling of HCV patients, their proper assessment to select those who need antiviral therapy, initiation of appropriate antiviral agents & duration of therapy, along-with careful monitoring for safety and efficacy. Hepatic status as well as pre-vious history of HCV therapy needs to be taken in the consideration before starting antiviral therapy. Other factors include co-morbid conditions like obesity, DM, NASH, etc. Treatment of special populations like liver transplant pa-tients, patients with HBV co-infection, chronic kidney disease and hemoglobinopathies need special considerations when initiating HCV therapy.