Aim: To compare Impairment of pulmonary function tests due to plain versus pegylated interferon therapy in the diagnosed cases of chronic Hepatitis C

Methodology: In this comparative study, 71 patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were randomly included in each group. Study consisted; Group 1 (Control Group): Pulmonary Function Tests performed before and after the completion of 24 weeks of treatment with Plain/conventional Interferons and ribavirin. Group 2 (experimental Group): PFTs performed before and after the completion of 24 weeks treatment with Pegylated Interferon Therapy and ribavirin. Referred patients of both groups underwent spirometry (PFTs) at baseline and at the end of 6 months

Results: Mean value observed for age was 49.86, for height 1.592 meters, for weight 62.6 kg and for BMI 24.9. Before and after therapy mean for FEV1 was 90.19 and 67.71 and it was 91.34 and 67.83 for FVC respectively. N=71 patients were enrolled in both groups. Male gender showed high prevalence 70%. Group-1 (46 vs 25) & group-2 (45 vs 26) male to female ratio seen. Adult age group hold bulk of disease (30 - 40 years of age). Patients preferred winter season for treatment (Sep to Nov). Low viral load and genotype 3a were common findings (82% and 35%). Constitutional symptoms improved after therapy (86 to 44%) as a whole. Individually, anorexia, body aches, lethargy and fever were like this (39 vs 19%, 66 vs 28%, 54 vs 30%, 19 vs 11%) pre and post therapy. Cough and dyspnea reported in 7% and 20% respectively.

Conclusion: According to the present study, treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin is associated with impairment of pulmonary function tests similarly as treatment with plain interferon and ribavirin.  Long Half-life of pegylated interferon cause more impairment in lung functions as indicated by limited available literature (Foster GR et al).

Keywords: Chronic hepatitis C, Pulmonary function tests, plain/Conventional interferon therapy, Pegylated interferon therapy.