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.