Impact of Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents Treatment on Body Mass Index and Lipid Profile in Egyptian Chronic Hepatitis C Patients

Abstract

Background: The effect of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs), used for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) on body mass index (BMI), and lipid profile parameters has a great heterogenicity and has not been well defined. This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of DAAs therapy on BMI and lipid profile in Egyptian patients with chronic HCV. Materials and methods: This prospective cross-sectional study included 100 cases diagnosed with chronic HCV who were clinically and biochemically assessed for commencing DAAs therapy. BMI and lipid profile, as well as liver function tests, were assessed at index time and 6 months after DAAs therapy. Results: The mean age of the included cases was 54.17 years and most of the included subjects were females (72%). Compared to baseline parameters, there was no significant difference regard, BMI, hemoglobin levels, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, AFP, and creatine 6six months after the end of treatment. Furthermore, ALT, AST, and INR showed a significant decrease, however, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and albumin showed a significant increase six months after the end of treatment. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that DAAs had no impact on BMI and hemoglobin level, however, it is associated with a significant increase in LDL and cholesterol levels with no impact on HDL, triglycerides.