Qualitative Versus Quantitative PCR in Establishing Response to Chronic Hepatitis C Treatment with Sofosbuvir.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the change in rapid virological response for chronic hepatitis C by qualitative PCR testing after treatment with sofosbuvir.

STUDY DESIGN: A descriptive study.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Memon Medical Institute Hospital, Karachi, from January to September 2016.

METHODOLOGY: The study population consisted of patients above 18 years, till 80 years of age, of both genders, having chronic infection with HCV. Patients included were treatment-naive, non-responders or relapsers; and among these categories, both cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients were included. Initially, genotyping and quantitative PCR test was done, one at the start of treatment then at 4 weeks that is till rapid virological response (RVR) was elicited. Qualitative testing was compared by Chi-square with quantitative assays simultaneously to check sensitivity by qualitative testing.

RESULTS: Out of 106 patients, the mean age of the patients was 46.40 ±14 years. There were 39 (36.8%) males and 67 (63.2%) females. One hundred (94.3%) were infected with genotype 3. One hundred and five (99.05%) patients responded to sofosbuvir with successful achievement of RVR after 4 weeks. One patient did not achieve RVR (0.94%). The sensitivity of qualitative test was 99%.

CONCLUSION: Qualitative analysis is a cost-effective and sensitive method in patients treated with sofosbuvir for confirming RVR, especially in developing countries where patients are self-paying with significant financial constraints.