Effect of Direct Acting Anti-Hepatitis C Drugs on the Heart

Background: The introduction of direct acting antiviral agents (DAAs) for its treatment represents a major advance in terms of sustained virologic response (SVR) rates and adverse effect profiles; however, few data are available on cardiac side effect. Objectives: We aimed to study the effect of DAA on echocardiographic changes. Patients and Methods: One hundred and fifty (150) patients with HCV were divided into 3 groups according to type of treatment given: Group 1 included 50 patients received dual therapy (Sofosbuvir plus Daclatasvir), group 2 included 50 patients received triple therapy (Sofosbuvir, Daclatasvir and Ribavirin), and Group 3 included 50 patients received Qurevo ± Ribavirin. All participants went through a cardiac assessment for detection of development of cardiovascular changes after 3 months of treatment. Results: In compare to baseline values, no significant difference regarding echocardiographic findings and the mean changes in values of QT & QTC interval among all patients’ groups. Dual therapy produced a significant lower serum levels of Albumin (Alb), prothrombin time (PT) and a significant increase in the serum levels of alkaline phosphatase, hemoglobin. Triple therapy produced significant lower serum levels of ALT, AST, total bilirubin, hemoglobin concentration, WBCs, RBCs and platelets, while a significant increase was observed in the mean values of the Alb and alkaline phosphatase. In the third group, there was a significant decrease in serum levels of PT while a significant increase was observed in serum values of alkaline phosphatase. Conclusion: DAAs are safe drugs to use in non-cardiovascular patients and in cardiac patients with caution and avoidance of some drugs.