Effect of Pegylated-interferon (Peg-inf) Plus Ribavirin (Rbv) Therapy on Haematological Profile of Different Age Groups Infected by Hepatitis C Virus in Pakistan

Background and Aims: With an estimated 11.55% adult population carrying HCV, hepatitis is a serious public health concern in Pakistan. With almost one in every 20 Pakistanis already infected, the nation ranks second internationally in terms of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. HBV and HCV each have annual mortality rates of 563,000 and 366,000, respectively. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver tumor responsible for about 90% of liver cancers. HCV is a virus that spreads rapidly and is becoming a problem on a global scale. Interferon alpha therapy is used to treat HCV infection to reduce cell growth and reproduction as well as to boost the immune system. An HCV patient's immune system normally produces trace levels of interferon-alpha in response to the hepatitis C virus. The establishment of an antiviral state is thereafter triggered by interferon adhesion, which binds to the receptor sites in the target cells and starts the transcription of 20–30 genes. Additionally, interferon is artificially provided to treat HCV disease and eradicate the biological effects of the virus on the side that is affected. The use of interferon or Peg- IFN plus ribavirin therapy is also linked to negative health outcomes. Methods: Of the 200 HCV Positive patients divided into three groups, which were enrolled in this study 100 (50%) were male, 100 (50%) were females, which total data of below 16 years of age were 27 (13.5%) in which 15 (7.5%) were males and 12 (12%) were females. According to 2nd age group, the total data of 17-25 age were 69 (34.5%) of which 33 (16.5%) were males and 36 (18%) were females. In 3rd age group, the total data of 26-34 age were 57 (28.5%) of which 28 (14%) were males and 29 (14.5%) were females. In the last 4th age group total data of 35 and above were 35 (17.5%) in which males were 24 (12%) and 23 (11.5%) were females. In the current study, both males and females of different age groups are included and followed at regular intervals. Changes in hematological parameters (blood CP and ALT) and other important information are recorded. Results: BELOW 16 YEARS AGE GROUP: 13.94% in the total leukocyte count (WBC) reduced in both sexes while in males 13.78% and 13.98 % in females. 10.7% in the red blood cells (RBC) reduced in both sexes while in males 10.5 % and 10.8 % in females. 29.96% in the platelet (Plt) count was reduced in both sexes while in 29.44 % in males and 30.13 % in females. 8.2% in the hemoglobin levels (HB) reduced in both sexes while in males 8.3% in males and 8.1 % in females. 17-25 YEARS AGE GROUP: 14.77 % in the total leukocyte count (WBC) reduced in both sexes while in males 14.35% and 14.81 % in females. 11.56% in the red blood cells (RBC) reduced in both sexes while in males 11.68 % and 11.44 % in females. 28.7 % in the platelet (Plt) count reduced in both sexes while in males 29.1% and 28.5 % in females. 7.5% in the hemoglobin levels (HB) reduced in both sexes while in males 7.8% and 7.4 % in females. 35 & Above AGE GROUP: 13.75% in the total leukocyte count (WBC) reduced in both sexes while in males 13.78% and 13.98 % in females. 13.13 % in the red blood cells (RBC) reduced in both sexes while in males 12.96 % and 13.27 % in females. 32.17% in the platelet (Plt) count reduced in both sexes while in males 32.31% and 32.05 % in females. 9.05 % in the hemoglobin levels (HB) reduced in both sexes while in males 8.82% and 9.19 % in females. Conclusions: In order to prevent severe side effects that could cause morbidity and mortality, rigorous hematological monitoring of blood CP and ALT levels at regular intervals is required.