Background and study aim: Egypt has the highest prevalence of hepatitis C virus in the world and it is about14.7 %. Until 2012, the combination of pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin was the standard of care in CHC. Sofosbuvir has an excellent tolerability and safety. Most severe adverse effects were observed when sofosbuvir was combined with ribavirin and/or pegylated interferon. The aim of this study is to compare double therapy (sofosbuvir + ribavirin) and triple therapy (sofosbuvir + ribavirin +peg- INF) for chronic HCV infection in Egyptian patients as regards efficacy and adverse effects.
Patients and Methods: The study included 72 patients allocated in two groups according to the criteria of eligibility to interferon therapy in the National Committee for Control of Viral Hepatitis protocol. Group I received the double therapy for Session [UserIDID] weeks (ribavirin and sofosbuvir) and group II received the triple therapy for 12 weeks (INF, ribavirin and sofosbuvir). The two groups were followed up all through the period of treatment and for three months after treatment and the all the changes in the laboratory parameters were monitored along with the adverse effects and response to treatment.
Results: The rate of sustained virological response was 88.9% in group I vs 94.4% in group II there was no significant differences between the two groups as regards the side effects encountered during treatment except for fatigue and flu like symptoms which were significantly higher in group II.
Conclusion: Double therapy (sofosbuvir and ribavirin) for Session [UserIDID] weeks is effective as triple therapy (INF, sofosbuvir and ribavirin) for 12 weeks in treating Egyptian patients with hepatitis C with less side effects.