Using telemedicine technologies as a tool for monitoring adverse events in patients with chronic hepatitis C receiving antiviral therapy

Substantiation: Monitoring adverse events (AEs) among outpatients is an important clinical problem; as they may be the cause of treatment interruption. In this situation; using telemedicine technologies (TMT) is rational to prevent these events and ensure continuity of medical care.

The aim of the study was to investigate the possibility of using TMT to register AEs and prevent unjustified treatment interruption in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC); who receiving antiviral therapy (AVT).

Methods: 84 patients with HCV (genotype 1b) were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups with and without the use of TMT (54 and 30 subjects; respectively). Patients with CHC (genotype 1b) were included under our observation. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the use of TMT. All patients received antiviral therapy (AVT) with a combination of ombitasvir; paritaprevir; dasabuvir and ritonavir. We studied the main laboratory parameters before start of therapy and after 12 weeks. The achievement of SVR after 12 weeks of therapy was also evaluated. Registration of cases of adverse events was performed by interviewing the patient

Results: All patients in the study sample achieved complete elimination of HCV within the specified time frame; no statistically significant difference between the groups was found (p>0.05). Analyzing the cases of AEs; 10 cases of AEs in 7 patients in the first subgroup and 12 cases of AEs in 7 patients from the second subgroup. In all cases treatment withdrawal was not required. The incidence of AEs was comparable in both populations (p>0.05).

Conclusion: The use of TMT allows to register cases of AEs in patients with CHC with a sufficient degree of accuracy; prevent independent treatment withdrawal and; as a consequence; contribute to the achievement of SVR.

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