Ribavirin Induced Hemolytic Anemia In Patients Infected With Chronic Hepatitis C Virus

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the ribavirin-induced hemolytic anemia in patients infected by chronic hepatitis c virus.
Study Design: Descriptive Case series study.
Place and Duration:  Gastroenterology Unit, Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad from 15-10-2014 to 15-04-2015.
Methodology: Total 102 patients were included. Complete and relevant gastrointestinal and systemic examination was performed with special emphasis on anemia and its manifestations. Every patient was tested with hepatitis C antibodies, (HCV RNA PCR positive), pre-treatment hemoglobin levels, and at twelve weeks, twenty-four weeks, and at forty-eight weeks of ribavirin treatment and documented on structured questionnaire. The laboratory data were also collected by the researcher and pathologist. Hemoglobin levels were checked before and after start of ribavirin at 12 weeks 24, and 48 weeks.
Results: The patient’s mean age was 41.68±11.91 years. 41.18% of patients diagnosed with hemolytic anemia. A significant proportion of hemolytic anemia was observed in middle-aged group (34–48years), P–value 0.033. Mean reduction of hemoglobin levels were observed after 12 weeks. No significant association of hemoglobin levels was observed, in those who received ribavirin for 12 and 48 weeks P value 0.295.
Conclusion: Noticeable frequency of hemolytic anemia observed among HCV patients treated with ribavirin.