Aim: Even in the absence of cirrhosis, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients is low compared to healthy adults. HCV replication leads to various hepatic and extrahepatic manifestations and virological response to therapy can bring improvements in HRQOL. The present study was aimed to assess the effect of directly acting antivirals (DAA) on HRQOL in chronic HCV patients in a community hospital in North India.
Methods: A total of 492 consecutive newly diagnosed non-cirrhotic hepatitis C patients and 500 matched controls were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Counseling regarding the disease and treatment was done monthly by a counselor. Available generic DAAs were given to the patients. HRQOL before initiation and after completion of treatment was measured using the short form-36 questionnaire.
Results: HRQOL of cases was lower compared to controls before initiation of therapy. Of 492 cases, 460 (93.49%) patients completed the therapy and 400 (84.56%) patients achieved sustained virological response (SVR). Treatment success group showed significant improvement in all eight domains of HRQOL. In cases that did not achieve SVR (treatment failure), HRQOL did not improve in six out of eight parameters. SVR rates achieved using generic DAAs were comparable to those with branded DAAs.
Conclusion: HCV infection has a substantial impact on the HRQOL. Significant improvements in HRQOL are associated with treatment success measured as SVR. Generic DAAs are effective and should be used in resource-limited settings. Rigorous counseling and regular follow-up can increase treatment adherence.