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Published on: October 1, 2015
Hemoglobin Decrease with Iron Deficiency Induced by Daclatasvir plus Asunaprevir Combination Therapy for Chronic
Nobuyuki Matsumoto1, Hiroki Ikeda1, Ryuta Shigefuku1
1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa, 216-8511, Japan.
Hepatitis C treatment with daclatasvir (DCV) and asunaprevir (ASV) can cause iron deficiency, leading to decreased hemoglobin (Hb) levels. Further research is needed to understand the clinical impact of this side effect.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection management.
- Combination therapy with daclatasvir (DCV) and asunaprevir (ASV).
- Rare side effect of decreased hemoglobin (Hb) levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the incidence and mechanism of decreased Hb levels during DCV and ASV combination therapy.
- Determine the relationship between Hb decrease and iron metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 75 patients with genotype 1b chronic HCV.
- Treatment initiated between September 2014 and December 2014.
- Monitoring Hb, mean corpuscular volume, iron, and ferritin levels.
Main Results:
- 11 out of 75 patients (14.7%) experienced Hb decrease (≥1.5 g/dL).
- Associated decreases in mean corpuscular volume, iron, and ferritin levels were observed.
- Suggests a link between Hb reduction and iron deficiency.
Conclusions:
- Iron deficiency may be the underlying mechanism for decreased Hb levels.
- Further investigation into the clinical implications and mechanisms is warranted.
- Highlights a potential adverse effect of DCV and ASV combination therapy.
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