Assessment and Management of the Dermatological Side Effects of Direct-Acting Antiviral Agent Groups Used in the Treatment of Hepatitis C: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Aim:As skin disorders may be observed with Hepatitis C, direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAA), dermatological side effects are also reported. The objective is to determine the dermatological side effects of DAA drugs.Methods:A study was conducted with chronic hepatitis C patients who used Ombistavir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir + Dasabuvir (Group 1), Sofosbuvir + Ledispavir (Group 2), and sofosbuvir (Group 3) and who supplied the drugs from our hospital. Skin examinations of the patients regarding dermatological side effects were conducted. Patients with dermatological side effects and treatment modalities were followed.Results:One hundred twelve patients were using Group 1; 69 were using Group 2, 19 were using Group 3. All pruritus patients were in Group 1. It was detected in 56 of 200 patients (28%). Pruritus was more prevalent in patients with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and heart disease, and the drug could be tolerated in those with no additional systemic comorbidities. Thirty-one patients had renal failure, and 17 of them underwent renal transplantation, and the pruritus rate was high (57%) in the chronic renal disease Group.Conclusion:Pruritus is the most common side effect observed with DAA drugs used in treating hepatitis C and elderly patients, and patients with comorbidity and renal transplantation are at high risk.

Keywords

• hepatitis c
• antiviral agents
• pruritus
• cutaneous