Abstract
Hepatitis C is a major public health problem globally. It is one of the commonest cause of
chronic liver disease in Pakistan. The prevalent genotype is “3” in our country. The standard of
care treatment is combination of interferon and ribavirin. This combination has important adverse
effects especially hemolytic anemia.
AIMS & OBJECTIVES: This study has been conducted to determine the frequency of anemia (<
10gm/dl) at 4, 12 and 24 weeks of interferon and ribavirin treatment CAH-C Genotype-3patients
along with assessment of associated risk factors.
PLACE AND DURATION: This study was conducted in department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology,
Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad, Sindh from April 2009 to October 2010.
STUDY DESIGN: Prospective & case series study
MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were
enrolled. The proforma was filled after patients verbal consent, by asking questions .Their BMI
was recorded and other demographic characteristics were also noted .Patients were followed
at 4,8,12,16,20 and 24 week. Their Blood CP was checked and if Hb fall within the range of 10.1
- 11.9 mg/dL then the dose of ribavirin was reduced (200 mg/day reduction) and if Hb was

Key words: Anemia, interferon and ribavirin, chronic hepatitis C.