The Effectiveness of Sovodak in the Treatment of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C

Background: Recently, interferon-free treatment has been considered for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C due to their high therapeutic success and lack of serious side effects. The combination of Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir is effective in the treatment of the disease because of its pan-genotype. In the present study, the effectiveness of Sovodak, which is a combination of the aforementioned two drugs in one tablet, in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C and cirrhosis was investigated. Methods: Patients with chronic hepatitis C whose diagnosis was confirmed by HCV RNA–PCR test were included in the study. These patients received one Sovodak tablet daily (for 12 weeks for non-cirrhotic patients and 24 weeks for cirrhotic patients). Sustained virologic response (SVR) was assessed by PCR test 12 weeks after the end of the treatment and one year later. Also, serum levels of liver enzymes, platelet count, and liver stiffness (using elastography method) were measured and their levels were compared before and after treatment in patients. Results: Findings related to the PCR test in patients showed that the level of SVR was 100% in patients 12 weeks after treatment (SVR-12). In three cirrhotic patients who received only 12 weeks of drug treatment, the disease recurred a year later. According to the results, ALT and AST serum levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.001), and platelet count level was increased (P < 0.001) one year after the end of the treatment period. Also, the liver stiffness index measured using FibroScan was significantly decreased in patients 12 weeks after the end of the treatment (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study, in line with other studies, showed the effective role of Sovodak in completely eliminating the HCV virus in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Cirrhotic patients need to receive treatment for at least six months. Key words: Sovodak, hepatitis C, sustained virologic response, effectiveness, liver cirrhosi

Seroprevalence of West Nile Virus in Regular Blood Donors Referred to the Blood Bank of Kurdistan Province, Iran

Background: West Nile virus is an infection that is most commonly caused by infected mosquito bites, however, blood transfusions, organ transplants, breast feeding, pregnant mother-to-the-fetus transmission, and occupational transmission among laboratory and medical staff are also the less common routes of infection. Given the endemic nature of this virus in the Middle East, the aim of this study was to investigate the presence of this virus in regular blood donors, as the reliable source of blood supply needed for patients in hospitals. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, venous blood samples were collected from 259 regular blood donors referred to the Blood Transfusion Organization of Kurdistan. After separating blood serum, the amount of IgM and IgG antibodies against West Nile virus was measured via ELISA test. Results: Concerning antibodies, IgG and IgM against West Nile virus were positive in 14 patients (5.4%) and 3 patients (1.2%), respectively. Seropositive IgG levels were observed in 11 patients over the age of 40 (12.5%) but only in 3 patients under 40 years of age (1.8%). The difference was statistically significant (OR = 7.95; 95% CI: 2.16–29.32; p < 0.01). Conclusion: Given the value of blood and blood products obtained from regular blood donors for therapeutic purposes and the significant prevalence of the virus and considering the presence of cases with positive IgM, it seems necessary to screen blood donors in blood transfusion centers in the western parts of Iran

Investigation of the Effect of Proton Energy on the Depth-dose Distribution in the Proton Therapy of the Eye Tumor Using MCNPX Code

Introduction: Depth-dose distribution curve of protons in the matter has a maximum is called Bragg peak. Bragg peak of a monoenergetic proton beam is too narrow. The spread out Bragg peak should be created for full coverage of the tumor. The spread out Bragg peak is obtained in the depth of the tumor with superposition of the several Bragg peaks. The aim of this study was coverage of an eye tumor in the proton therapy while healthy eye tissue absorbs less radiation. Methods: In this analytical study, the simulations were performed using MCNPX code. A tumor in the eye phantom was considered. The eye phantom has been irradiated with different proton beam energy. A Polystyrene modulator wheel was used for creating the spread out Bragg peak in the tumor region. Results: Bragg peaks were created in different depths of the tumor, by varying the proton beam energies from 20 MeV to 38 MeV. Bragg peak of the 32.85 MeV proton beam energy was precisely placed at the end of the tumor. Different pristine Bragg peaks were produced using a Polystyrene modulator wheel with different thicknesses and 32.85 MeV proton beam energy. The spread out Bragg peak was created in the tumor region by modulation of the pristine Bragg peaks. Neutrons and photons are produced by the inelastic nuclear interactions of protons with the nuclei of different tissues of eyes. The flux and absorbed dose of secondary neutrons and photons were considerably small compared to the depth-dose distribution of protons and the total absorbed dose in the tumor was more than other tissues of eyes. Conclusion: Using a modulator wheel the tumor can be treated, so that the minimal damage reaches the surrounding tissues. The results show that more than 92% of the total dose of secondary particles and protons is absorbed in the tumor

The Effectiveness of Sovodak in the Treatment of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C

Background: Recently, interferon-free treatment has been considered for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C due to their high therapeutic success and lack of serious side effects. The combination of Sofosbuvir and Daclatasvir is effective in the treatment of the disease because of its pan-genotype. In the present study, the effectiveness of Sovodak, which is a combination of the aforementioned two drugs in one tablet, in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C and cirrhosis was investigated. Methods: Patients with chronic hepatitis C whose diagnosis was confirmed by HCV RNA–PCR test were included in the study. These patients received one Sovodak tablet daily (for 12 weeks for non-cirrhotic patients and 24 weeks for cirrhotic patients). Sustained virologic response (SVR) was assessed by PCR test 12 weeks after the end of the treatment and one year later. Also, serum levels of liver enzymes, platelet count, and liver stiffness (using elastography method) were measured and their levels were compared before and after treatment in patients. Results: Findings related to the PCR test in patients showed that the level of SVR was 100% in patients 12 weeks after treatment (SVR-12). In three cirrhotic patients who received only 12 weeks of drug treatment, the disease recurred a year later. According to the results, ALT and AST serum levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.001), and platelet count level was increased (P < 0.001) one year after the end of the treatment period. Also, the liver stiffness index measured using FibroScan was significantly decreased in patients 12 weeks after the end of the treatment (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study, in line with other studies, showed the effective role of Sovodak in completely eliminating the HCV virus in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Cirrhotic patients need to receive treatment for at least six months. Key words: Sovodak, hepatitis C, sustained virologic response, effectiveness, liver cirrhosi