摘要：

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis C virus infection is a major cause of chronic hepatic diseases. According to WHO statistics, the global prevalence of HCV is 3.1%. In East Mediterranean Region (including Pakistan), the prevalence is 4.6%. The most effective therapeutic regimen for infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the combination of interferon alfa and ribavirin (combination therapy) and is effective in approximately 80% of patients infected with hepatitis C virus. The side effects of combination therapy predominantly include hematological abnormalities along with fatigue, influenza-like symptoms, gastrointestinal disturbances and neuropsychiatric symptoms.

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