Cheng PN, Chow NH, Hu SC, Young KC, Chen CY, Jen CM, Chang TT. Clinical comparison of high-dose interferon-alpha2b with or without ribavirin for treatment of interferon-relapsed chronic hepatitis C.
Dig Liver Dis 2002;
34:851-6. [PMID:
12643293 DOI:
10.1016/s1590-8658(02)80255-9]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Interferon a with ribavirin combination therapy is effective but still unsatisfactory in the treatment of patients with interferon-relapsed chronic hepatitis C.
AIMS
To compare, in a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study, high-dose interferon-alpha2b with or without ribavirin in the treatment for interferon-relapsers.
PATIENTS
A total of 52 patients with interferon-relapsed chronic hepatitis C were randomly assigned to receive 24-week treatment with interferon-alpha2b (6 MU three times per week) combined with either ribavirin (1,000 to 1,200 mg per day) or a matched placebo and then followed for an additional 24 weeks.
METHODS
Hepatitis C virus RNA was detected by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. For determining viral concentration, the commercial bDNA Quantiplex hepatitis C virus-RNA 2.0 assay was used. Genotyping was performed by reverse hybridization assay
RESULTS
At the end of treatment, no detectable hepatitis C virus RNA levels were observed in 92% (24/26) of patients on interferon alpha2b/ribavirin and 81% (21/26) of patients on interferon alpha2b/placebo. At the end of the follow-up, a higher sustained virological response rate was seen in patients treated with interferon alpha2b/ribavirin than those treated with interferon alpha2b/placebo (69% vs 23%, p < 0.001). Patients with either initially high levels of viral concentration or with genotype 1 responded poorly. Patients who received interferon-alpha2b/ribavirin treatment and in whom no hepatitis C virus RNA was detected at 4th week after treatment had 90% chance to achieve sustained virological response.
CONCLUSIONS
High-dose interferon-alpha2b plus ribavirin treatment is highly effective in interferon-relapsed patients.
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