The management of side-effects during therapy for hepatitis C

Bayesian Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling of Eltrombopag in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Eltrombopag is a thrombopoietic growth factor that is approved for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients. We aimed to describe eltrombopag population pharmacokinetics in hepatitis C patients. Bayesian statistical approach will be applied to screen for patients' characteristics associated with eltrombopag pharmacokinetic parameters.

METHODS

A population pharmacokinetic analysis was conducted using WinBUGS version 1.4.3. Data from 483 individuals with chronic HCV infection were analyzed. This analysis is a secondary analysis of two clinical studies (ENABLE1 and ENABLE2) sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline. Several patients' characteristics were examined as possible covariates of the population pharmacokinetic model. Prior information from previous studies was incorporated in the bayesian model as prior distribution to estimate pharmacokinetic parameters.

RESULTS

A two-compartment pharmacokinetic model with first-order absorption with exponential error model best fit the data. We identified East Asian race and total bilirubin level as predictors of eltrombopag clearance. Typical value for distributional clearance was 0.762 L/h (95% Bayesian credible set, 0.703-0.826), for volume of distribution of the central and peripheral compartments were 12 L (10.9-13.4) and 10.9 L (10.4-11.5), and for absorption lag time was 0.947 h (0.918-0.977). Assuming an average total bilirubin of 21.7 µmol/L, the typical elimination clearance value for an East Asian patient was 0.14 L/h and for other races was 0.20 L/h.

CONCLUSIONS

Eltrombopag pharmacokinetic behavior was described using population bayesian approach. This model can be applied to optimize eltrombopag dosing in order to reduce the incidence of thrombocytopenia in HCV-infected patient receiving interferon-based therapy.

Pharmacokinetics of Daclatasvir, Sofosbuvir, and GS-331007 in a Prospective Cohort of Hepatitis C Virus-Positive Kidney Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND

Limited data exist on the pharmacokinetic profile of novel direct-acting antivirals in kidney transplant recipients. Daclatasvir is primarily eliminated through the biliary route and sofosbuvir through the renal route; here, we report the pharmacokinetic profile of combined treatment with these compounds in a prospective study of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive kidney transplant recipients (EudraCT: 2014-004551-32).

METHODS

In this study, plasma samples of 16 HCV-positive kidney transplant recipients receiving daclatasvir and sofosbuvir were collected at 4 time points at days 1, 7, 14, 21, 56, and 84 after start of treatment. Inclusion criteria were stable graft function and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >30 mL/min/1.73 m. Daclatasvir, sofosbuvir, and GS-331007 (inactive metabolite of sofosbuvir) plasma concentrations were determined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

All patients showed a rapid virological response with HCV RNA below the detection limit 21 days after the start of therapy (medium time to viral clearance). No difference of the areas under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of daclatasvir, sofosbuvir, and GS-331007 was observed between patients with an eGFR below or ≥60 mL/min. For GS-331007, no relevant changes of trough levels were observed over time. Mean GS-331007 trough levels were 339.5 ± 174.9 ng/mL in patients with an eGFR ≥60 mL/min and 404.3 ± 226 ng/mL in patients with an eGFR <60 mL/min at day 7 (P = 0.52). At day 84, GS-331007 trough levels were 357.8 ± 200.8 and 404.2 ± 70.2 ng/mL in patients with an eGFR ≥60 mL/min and in patients with an eGFR <60 mL/min, respectively (P = 0.51). The accumulation ratios of renally eliminated GS-331007 for AUC and Cmax did not significantly differ between the 2 eGFR groups at day 7.

CONCLUSIONS

An impaired eGFR (30-60 mL/min) does not lead to a dose accumulation of daclatasvir, sofosbuvir, and GS-331007. This study provides the rationale for future studies investigating the pharmacokinetic profile of sofosbuvir-based HCV treatment in kidney transplant recipients with an eGFR <30 mL/min.

Add-on neurological benefits of antiviral therapy in HCV patients with chronic kidney disease - a nationwide cohort study

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have rarely been studied because they rarely accept interferon-based therapy (IBT) and have been difficult to follow up. We investigated long-term outcomes of IBT on the population.

Methods

This population-based cohort study used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database as its data source. HCV patients diagnosed with CKD between Jan. 1, 2003, and Dec. 31, 2013, were selected. They were then divided into two groups based on whether they had undergone IBT. All-cause mortality, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), ischemic stroke (IS), hemorrhagic stroke, and new-onset dialysis were evaluated using a Cox proportional hazard regression analysis after propensity score matching.

Results

We enrolled 9872 HCV patients with CKD: 1684 patients in the treated cohort and 8188 patients in the untreated cohort. The annual incidence of all-cause mortality (19.00 vs. 42.89 events per 1000 person-years; p < 0.001) and the incidences of hemorrhagic stroke (1.21 vs. 4.19 events per 1000 person-years; p = 0.006) were lower in the treated cohort. New-onset dialysis was also lower in the treated cohort (aHR: 0.31; 95% CI: 0.20–0.48; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Antiviral therapy might provide protective benefits on all-cause mortality, hemorrhagic stroke, and new-onset dialysis in HCV-infected patients with CKD.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12876-017-0653-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Thyroid Dysfunction in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients Treated with the Combined Pegylated Interferon-Ribavirin Therapy

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an Egyptian serious national health problem. The combination of pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) with ribavirin (RIB) was considered the established therapy for chronic hepatitis C (CHC), and it was associated with several adverse effects, including thyroid dysfunction (TD). The aim of this work was to study TD in CHC patients receiving PEG-IFN+ RIB therapy. This retrospective study included 100 adult patients attending the outpatient clinics at AL-Kahera Al-Fatemya hospital and were eligible candidates for PEG-IFN+ RIB therapy. Thyroid hormonal profile (thyroid-stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine, and free thyroxine) was done before initiation of treatment (week 0) and at weeks 12, 24, 48, and 72. The incidence of TD was more evident by the end of treatment (week 48); it was found to be 35%, mostly in the form of hypothyroidism, while the least incidence was detected by week 12 (2%), all in the form of hyperthyroidism. Generally, hypothyroidism was higher than hyperthyroidism in multiple folds. Thyroid profile was not significantly related to viral load.

Optimal Duration of Pegylated Interferon Plus Ribavirin Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 3 Patients who do not Achieve Rapid Virological Response

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) genotype-3 (G-3) patients treated with standard 24-week pegylated interferon plus ribavirin(PEG-RBV) therapy achieve sustained virological response(SVR) rate of 69-82%. Patients who do not achieve rapid virological response(RVR) have lower SVR rate. Data regarding optimal management of this subgroup is scarce. We aimed to determine the most appropriate treatment duration in CHC G-3 patients who do not achieve RVR.

METHODS

Treatment naïve CHC G-3 patients treated with PEG-RBV therapy were included in this retrospective analysis. Patients with cirrhosis were excluded. RVR was assessed in all patients beyond the year 2007. RVR non-achievers were advised extended treatment beyond 24 weeks.

RESULTS

Of the total 685 patients started on treatment, 646 completed treatment (mean age 39.1 ± 12 years, 68.3% males). In the pre-'RVR assessment' period (2004-2006), SVR with standard 24 week therapy was 72.3% (112/155). In post-'RVR assessment' period (2007-2013), 75.8% (402/530) patients achieved RVR; and 91.5% (368/402) of these achieved SVR with standard 24 weeks therapy. Among RVR non-achievers (n = 128), 51 patients opted for extended 36 week therapy, 12 for 48 week therapy, while 65 stopped therapy at 24 weeks. Choice of treatment duration was dependent entirely on the affordability of the patient. SVR with extended therapy (36/48 weeks) was significantly higher than standard 24 week therapy in RVR non-achievers (82.5% vs. 52.3%; P = 0.003). However, SVR rate in 36 week group was not significantly different from 48 week group (84.3% vs. 75%; P = 0.425]. On multivariate analysis, duration of treatment (36/48 week vs. 24 week; P < 0.001) was significantly associated with SVR.

CONCLUSIONS

SVR rates in CHC G-3 patients treated with PEG-RBV in northern India were comparable to western data. Standard 24 week therapy is adequate for RVR-achievers. However, in RVR non-achievers, extended 36 week therapy significantly improves SVR, while further extension to 48 week does not provide any additional advantage.

Type III interferons (IFNs): Emerging Master Regulators of Immunity

Lambda interferons (IFN-λs), type III interferons or interleukins 28 and 29 are the latest addition to the class II cytokine family. They share low homology with the interferon (IFN) and IL-10 cytokine families, yet they exhibit common and unique activities, the full spectrum of which still remains incompletely understood. Although initially described for their antiviral functions, it is now appreciated that IFN-λs also mediate diverse antitumor and immune-modulatory effects, and are key determinants of innate immunity at mucosal sites such as the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracks. Here, we are reviewing the biological functions of IFN-λs, the mechanisms controlling their expression, their downstream effects and their role in the maintenance of homeostasis and disease. We are also exploring the potential application of IFN-λs as novel therapeutics.

Treatment of chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 early responders with 36 week pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy

INTRODUCTION

Standard treatment for patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 (CHC G-1) infection includes pegylated interferon plus ribavirin (PEG-RBV) for 48 weeks. Shorter treatment regimen would be more acceptable due to lower cost and fewer side-effects. We aimed to compare the efficacy of 36 week PEG-RBV therapy with standard 48 week therapy in CHC G-1 patients who achieve complete early virological response (cEVR).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Consecutive treatment-naïve patients with CHC G-1 were treated with pegylated interferon a2b (1.5 μg/kg/week) or α2a (180 μg/week) and weight based ribavirin. Patients who achieved cEVR at 12 weeks [undetectable HCV RNA irrespective of RVR (rapid virological response)] were randomized into- group A (48 weeks therapy) and group B (36 weeks therapy). Primary end-point was achievement of sustained virological response (SVR) at 24 weeks of follow up.

RESULTS

Out of the total 166 patients started on treatment, 112 (69.3%) achieved cEVR, and were randomized into group A (n = 59) and group B (n = 53). Fifty-five (93.2%) patients in group A and 50 (94.3%) in group B completed therapy. The overall SVR rate in group A was 79.6% (47/59) and group B was 84.9% (45/53) (p = 0.622). SVR rates in the two groups were comparable in all patient sub-groups according to factors like viral load (≤ or > 400,000 IU/mL), RVR (achieved/not achieved), age (≤ or > 40 years), body mass index (≤ or > 27) and cirrhosis (present/absent).

CONCLUSION

In CHC G-1 patients who achieve cEVR, 36 weeks PEG-RBV therapy is as effective as standard 48 weeks therapy, irrespective of other host or virological factors.

Treatment of chronic hepatitis C with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin in treatment-naïve 'real-life' patients in India

PURPOSE/AIM

Results of treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin (PEG-RBV) are mainly available from well-designed clinical trials, and only few 'real-life' studies which give a true picture of success of therapy are available. Such data in Indian patients is scarce. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and factors associated with sustained virological response (SVR) in Indian CHC patients treated with PEG-RBV in 'real-life' setting.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All treatment-naïve patients with CHC/compensated cirrhosis treated with PEG-RBV between January 2004 and December 2010 were included.

RESULTS

Of 592 patients started on treatment, 524 (88.5 %) completed therapy (mean ± SD age-42.0 ± 12.1 years; 74.3 % males). Genotype 3 (73.6 %) was the commonest, followed by genotype 1 (19.3 %). In intention to treat analysis, SVR rates for 'all' patients, genotype 1 and genotype 3 patients were 72.3 % (428/592), 57 % (65/114), and 78.2 % (341/436), respectively (in per-protocol analysis-81.7 %, 69.1 %, and 85.3 %, respectively). Noncirrhotics had better SVR rates compared to cirrhotics treated for the same duration. About 20 % patients had both low viral load and achieved rapid virological response (RVR). Factors significantly associated with SVR were age <40 years, absence of cirrhosis, RVR, and no reduction in interferon dose.

CONCLUSION

SVR rates in CHC patients treated in 'real-life' setting in India were better than those reported in western population. Therapy should be prolonged for patients with cirrhosis, while one-fifth of patients may qualify for abbreviated therapy. Factors significantly associated with SVR were age <40 years, absence of cirrhosis, RVR, and no reduction in interferon dose.

Managing adverse effects of interferon-alfa and ribavirin in combination therapy for HCV

This article focuses on the adverse effects of hepatitis C therapy, which includes pegylated interferon alfa-2a or -2b with ribavirin. The hepatitis C virus provider should remain cognizant of the various organ systems that can be affected, which adverse effects should be addressed with the help of an expert, and the presentation of symptoms as they occur throughout the course of therapy. A systems-based approach should help to characterize the nature of the adverse effects that patients experience, and also to determine when patients should be further investigated by a consultant.

Symptomatic treatment of interferon-α-induced depression in hepatitis C: a systematic review

Despite its efficacy in treating hepatitis C, interferon-α (IFN-α) can cause depression. The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize and discuss the available and effective therapies in treating IFN-α-induced depression. Using PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Scopus, Embase, Ovid of Medline, PsycINFO, and ISI Web of Knowledge, we selected 64 articles concerning IFN-α-induced depression treatment in hepatitis C patients. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can be considered the first choice for the treatment of IFN-α-induced depression, as demonstrated in open-label studies, case reports, and a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Also 5-hydroxytryptophan and tryptophan have been suggested to be effective as monotherapy or as augmentation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Clinical cases that show positive effects of tricyclic antidepressants, however, do not provide sufficient evidence for the use of these drugs. Two cohort studies have reported the effectiveness of amisulpride, but not of levosulpiride. Mirtazapine has been suggested to be a better choice of treatment in cases where insomnia or anorexia develop. Milnacipram can be useful in cases of concomitant medications, for the unlikely occurrence of drug-drug interactions. Psychostimulants represent an empirical treatment without controlled data to support their use. Two case reports have shown the favorable use of bupropion, particularly if sexual dysfunction or cravings for illicit drugs are present. A single case report suggests electroconvulsive therapy to be a possible choice when antidepressants are ineffective or poorly tolerated. The main limitation of our review is that the quality of the findings varied across the reviewed studies. Our observations may help clinicians with managing IFN-α-induced depression.

Discovery of MK-1220: A Macrocyclic Inhibitor of Hepatitis C Virus NS3/4A Protease with Improved Preclinical Plasma Exposure

The discovery of MK-1220 is reported along with the development of a series of HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitors containing a P2 to P4 macrocyclic constraint with improved preclinical pharmacokinetics. Optimization of the P2 heterocycle substitution pattern as well as the P3 amino acid led to compounds with greatly improved plasma exposure following oral dosing in both rats and dogs while maintaining excellent enzyme potency and cellular activity. These studies led to the identification of MK-1220.

Management of Hepatitis C Antiviral Therapy Adverse Effects

Hepatitis C is one of the leading causes of liver disease in the United States, affecting more than 4 million individuals. The current treatment regimen involves pegylated interferon in combination with ribavirin. Although antiviral treatment has been associated with a greater than 50% sustained viral response rate, the adverse effects have proven to be detrimental to quality of life and therapy adherence, and consequently lead to lower sustained viral response rates. This article identifies the most frequently described complications associated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. The active management of these complications is discussed, including both preventive and empiric treatments.

Comparison of adverse effects related to pegylated interferon-based therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C in Taiwan

PURPOSE

Pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN)-based therapy is effective in treating chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and C (CHC) but frequently induces adverse events (AEs). This study was conducted to compare the incidence of Peg-IFN-based therapy-associated AEs in Taiwanese patients with CHB and CHC.

METHODS

Fifty-six patients with CHB and 103 age-, sex- and treatment duration-matched patients with CHC were enrolled. Patients with CHB were treated with Peg-IFN-α-2a 180 μg/week for 24 weeks (HBeAg(+), n = 31) or 48 weeks (HBeAg(-), n = 25); patients with CHC were treated with Peg-IFN-α-2a 180 μg/week plus ribavirin 1,000-1,200 mg/day for 24 weeks (genotype 2/3, n = 57) or 48 weeks (genotype 1, n = 46).

RESULTS

Significantly higher incidences of Peg-IFN-related AEs, especially neuropsychiatric symptoms, and ribavirin-associated skin manifestations were observed in patients with CHC compared with those with CHB, with either the 24- or 48-week regimen. Frequencies of laboratory abnormalities, except for anemia, were comparable in both groups. Neither group showed overt hepatic decompensation. Frequency of dose reduction was similar between the groups. Substantially higher rates of early termination and severe AEs were observed in patients with CHC.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CHB treated with Peg-IFN had fewer AEs than patients with CHC treated with Peg-IFN/ribavirin. All patients were treated safely.

Know your enemy: translating insights about the molecular biology of hepatitis C virus into novel therapeutic approaches

Identified in 1989 as the cause of what was then known as hepatitis non-A non-B, the hepatitis C virus (HCV) continues to be a significant global public health threat, given that an estimated 123 million individuals are chronically infected and, thus, at risk for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. After 20 years of basic and clinical research into HCV infection, the backbone of therapy has remained interferon, a drug that - in a different formulation - was already being employed before HCV was even identified. Nonetheless, research has overcome many obstacles that stood in the way of studying this pre-eminent human pathogen. Hard-won insights into its molecular biology have identified promising therapeutic targets, and we are now on the verge of an era where rationally designed therapeutics, also referred to as specifically targeted antiviral therapy for HCV, will reshape the treatment of hepatitis C. This article describes recent insights on the molecular biology of HCV and the efforts to translate them into clinical applications.

G-CSF in Peg-IFN induced neutropenia in liver transplanted patients with HCV recurrence

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of granulocyte colony stimulating factors (G-CSF) in liver transplanted patients with hepatitis C (HCV) recurrence and Pegylated-IFN α-2b induced neutropenia, and to evaluate the impact of G-CSF administration on virological response.

METHODS: Sixty-eight patients undergoing antiviral treatment for post-liver transplantation (OLT) HCV recurrence were enrolled. All patients developing neutropenia received G-CSF.

RESULTS: Twenty three (34%) received G-CSF. Mean neutrophil count at the onset of neutropenia was 700/mmc (range 400-750/mmc); after 1 mo of G-CSF it increased to 1210/mmc (range 300-5590/mmc) (P < 0.0001). Three patients did not respond to G-CSF. Treatment duration was similar in neutropenic and non-neutropenic patients. No differences in the rate of discontinuation, infections or virological response were observed between the two groups. G-CSF was protective for the onset of de novo autoimmune hepatitis (P < 0.003).

CONCLUSION: G-CSF administration is effective in the case of Peg-IFN induced neutropenia increasing neutrophil count, prolonging treatment and leading to sustained virological response (SVR) rates comparable to non-neutropenic patients. It prevents the occurrence of de novo autoimmune hepatitis.

The role of the community nurse in hepatitis C diagnosis and treatment

Hepatitis C is a common cause of liver disease and many infected individuals remain undiagnosed. Patients may be asymptomatic or have non-specific symptoms, and community nurses can help to identify those at risk and arrange testing. Community nurses can also encourage and support infected individuals to attend specialist hospital clinics for assessment and treatment by giving clear and accurate information about infection and therapy, including common side-effects. Treatment lasts for 6-12 months and patients require regular monitoring with good support. This paper provides an overview of the diagnosis and management of hepatitis C and aims to educate community nurses about this viral infection.

Trends in the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Despite reductions in the incidence of new hepatitis C virus infections, infections from previous decades continue to place a substantial burden on our health care system. Although the course of the disease is highly variable, approximately 20% to 30% of patients develop cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, or hepatocellular carcinoma. Fortunately, treatment with our current standard of care, peginterferon a and ribavirin, can reduce the complications of chronic liver disease. However, these drugs are associated with significant adverse effects, many patients are ineligible for treatment, and only 50% are cured. Thus, there is a tremendous need to improve our current therapies and develop new compounds for this disease. This review highlights the transmission, pathophysiology, and course of illness; the pharmacokinetics, proposed mechanisms of action, adverse events, and potential drug interactions with peginterferon a and ribavirin; current treatment trends; the role of the pharmacist in the treatment of this disease; and investigational drugs in later stages of clinical development. Despite the initial hope that these new drugs would replace our current standard of care, it has become clear that ribavirin and peginterferon a will continue to play an important role in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus in the years to come.

The successful use of electroconvulsive therapy in a patient with interferon-induced psychotic depression

We report the successful use of electroconvulsive therapy in a patient who developed major depression with psychotic features while being treated with interferon alfa-2b for hepatitis C. We reviewed the literature of similar cases and discuss treatment options for interferon-induced depression and psychosis.

[Toxicity of the treatment of chronic hepatitis C with peginterferon alpha (2a or 2b) plus ribavirin in patients not previously treated]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The adverse reactions (ADR) derived from the treatment of hepatitis C with peginterferon alpha and ribavirin causes dose reductions and discontinuations of the treatment that compromise its efectiveness. The aims of this study are to determine the ADR that the patients have presented according to the type of peginterferon alpha, and the effect of these in treatment duration and accumulated dose.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Cohort, prospective and longitudinal study (from November 2002 to April 2006), with monoinfected patients not previously treated (group A: peginterferon alpha-2a plus ribavirin; group B: peginterferon alpha-2b plus ribavirin).

RESULTS

Group A: 93 patients; group B: 115. Hematologyc ADR: neutropenia, 24% vs. 26.90%; anemia: 12.50% vs. 9.60%. Not hematologyc ADR: fatigue, 73.10% vs 74.80%; fever (> 38 degrees C), 81.70% vs 86.10%. Permanency in treatment < 80%: 18.3% in group A patients vs. 9.5% in group B patients. Accumulated dose of peginterferon < 80%: 13.9% in group A patients vs. 11.3% in group B patients.

CONCLUSIONS

We haven't found differences in the safety profile of both peginterferons, though the patients treated with peginterferon alpha-2b shows a higher permanency in the treatment and a percentage of total received doses > 80% of the theoretical ones.

Adverse effects of high-dose interferon-alpha-2a treatment for chronic hepatitis B

The aim of this study was to assess morbidity and the incidence of adverse effects during interferon (IFN)-alpha-2a treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B. This prospective study included 48 consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis B who underwent IFN-alpha-2a treatment from January 2003 to August 2005. Adverse effects related to IFN treatment were recorded during this period and for 6 mo after treatment. Adverse effects that led to dose reduction or early discontinuation of IFN treatment were examined. Complete response was reported in 25% of patients. At least 1 adverse effect was documented in 88% of patients. Flu-like symptoms were the most frequently observed adverse effects (88%), and thrombocytopenia (63%), leukopenia (54%), and anemia (23%) were also reported. Bleeding occurred in 2 patients. Other adverse effects included neuropsychiatric signs (21%), alopecia (19%), weight loss (17%), thyroid disorders (19%), menstrual cycle irregularities (8%), skin lesions (8%), and dry cough (4%). Adverse effects that led to dose reduction or early discontinuation of IFN treatment occurred in 19% of patients and included impotence, depression, seizure, thyroid disorders, severe thrombocytopenia, and intestinal bleeding. These effects were found to be unrelated to treatment response. No relationship was detected between patient age, duration of treatment, and adverse effects of IFN. Although IFN-alpha-2a treatment induced various adverse effects in patients with chronic hepatitis B, most of these effects were reversible or could be ameliorated. Adverse effects that led to dose reduction or early discontinuation of IFN treatment were found to be unrelated to complete response.

Reversible alopecia universalis secondary to PEG-interferon alpha-2b and ribavirin combination therapy in a patient with chronic hepatitis C virus infection

Combined treatment with pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin is currently recommended for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Many side effects including hair disorders have, however, been reported related to this treatment. Alopecia universalis is a severe form of hair disorder. Three cases of alopecia universalis during PEG-IFN and ribavirin combination therapy have been reported in the literature. Herein is reported a case of reversible alopecia universalis, with complete hair loss extending to the whole body, secondary to PEG-IFN alpha-2b and ribavirin combination therapy for chronic HCV infection. Hair regrowth began within 3 months of the completion of combined therapy. In case the liver disease is advanced, and virologic response occurs, treatment can still be completed, as it appears that these side effects are reversible.

Chronic hepatitis C virus infection: a review for pharmacists

OBJECTIVE

To review the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and therapeutics of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, focusing on patient counseling and adverse effects, to serve as a resource for pharmacists in multiple patient care settings.

DATA SOURCES

Published articles identified through Medline using search terms such as hepatitis C virus, hepacivirus, ribavirin, interferon alfa-2a, or interferon alfa-2b. Therapeutic guidelines retrieved from www.guidelines.gov and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additional resources identified from personal bibliographies collected by the author and bibliographies from gathered articles.

STUDY SELECTION

By the author.

DATA EXTRACTION

By the author.

DATA SYNTHESIS

HCV is a blood-borne pathogen affecting an estimated 4 million Americans and 170 million people worldwide. An estimated two-thirds to three-fourths of those infected with HCV have not been diagnosed, and in the next 10 to 20 years, the number of patients diagnosed with HCV is likely to increase. Thus, the health care community, including pharmacists, needs to be educated about the disease, how it is spread, and the details related to treatment of HCV. The standard therapy for HCV is combination therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. This therapy has a varied rate of response that improves with medication adherence. Adherence is often reduced as a result of adverse effects of therapy. In this article, a basic review of HCV is provided, as well as a thorough discussion of strategies to reduce the incidence and severity of adverse effects related to therapy.

CONCLUSION

Pharmacists have an important role in educating other health care practitioners and the community about HCV, providing injection training and medication and adverse effect counseling for patients initiating therapy, and engaging in follow-up and monitoring of patients to encourage therapeutic success by improving medication adherence and patient tolerance of adverse effects.

Safety and efficacy of combination therapy with peginterferon alfa-2a (40kD) and ribavirin in the outpatient setting: prospective analysis of 197 patients with chronic hepatitis C viral infection

OBJECTIVES

Combination therapy using peginterferon alfa-2a (40 kD) plus ribavirin achieves viral eradication in nearly 60% of patients with chronic hepatitis C viral infection. However, because of the numerous side effects, use of the combination regimen might be restricted for patients consulting private practitioners specialized in hepatogastroenterology.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Conducted in this specific context, this prospective clinical trial investigated the safety and efficacy of combination therapy in 197 patients. Therapy was given in compliance with the recommendations of the French consensus conference on hepatitis C treatment.

RESULTS

Commonly reported adverse effects were noted in 90% of patients, most occurring during the first three months, with a stable prevalence thereafter and resolution after treatment end. The most frequent adverse events were asthenia (35 to 37.5% according to the treatment group pruritus (25 to 26.3%) and flu-like syndrome (19 to 21.7%). A depressive syndrome was reported in 20 to 21% of patients. Grade 4 neutropenia was exceptional and never led to severe infections. At intent-to-treat analysis, the rate of sustained virological response was 54.8% for the entire population. It was 71.1% for patients with genotypes 2 or 3 (mainly treated for 24 weeks) and 44.6% for patients with genotype 1 (all treated 48 weeks).

CONCLUSION

The characteristic features of combination therapy observed in the context of private hepatogastroenterology consultations are similar to those observed in randomized clinical trials.

Depressive symptoms in HIV disease

Although depressive symptoms are common in people living with HIV/AIDS, their reported prevalence varies greatly across HIV-positive populations, ranging from 21% to 97%. Comparing these rates is complicated by the varied conceptualization of depression as a major depressive disorder (clinical depression) or depressive symptoms, and by the use of multiple methods of measurement. Knowledge of predictors of depressive symptoms can assist health care providers in the identification of those who are most at risk. Appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and referral are critical, because depressive symptoms have been associated with poorer disease outcomes. Additionally, self-management symptoms can be used to supplement more traditional treatment methods.

Improving anti-hepatitis C virus therapy

The estimated prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is 2%, representing 123 million infected individuals worldwide. HCV infection burdens public health in relation to hepatic (cirrhosis and its complications in 20% of patients) and extrahepatic (vasculitis) complications, and lessens quality of life. Major progress has been made in the last two decades for the diagnosis and treatment of HCV, including more appropriate screening strategies for HCV infection (improved sensitivity of serological and virological tests); a better evaluation of the impact of chronic HCV infection on the liver (semi-quantitative scoring systems of necro-inflammation and fibrosis on liver biopsy, non-invasive evaluation of fibrosis with biochemical markers and elastometry); and improved therapeutic regimens. This progress provides a better definition of who to treat (clinical impact or significant fibrosis); how to treat; tailoring therapies for doses and durations of the pegylated interferon plus ribavirin combination according to virological (mainly genotype and early viral kinetics, but also baseline viral load) and hosts factors (fibrosis, immune status, weight); and how to monitor efficacy and tolerance of therapy. The progress has now resulted in a 50% rate of complete HCV eradication, ranging 45 - 90% according to the genotype and especially in those patients with early viral response. New therapies, specifically HCV protease or polymerase inhibitors, in combination with pegylated interferon, or more potent and less toxic new formulations of interferons or ribavirin, will increase these encouraging results in the future.

[Identifying improvement opportunities in the management of hepatitis C]

OBJECTIVE

Hepatitis C represents a public health concern with more than 170 million carriers. The goal of this study was to identify improvement opportunities in the management of hepatitis C, and the pharmaceutical actions performed for the prevention and solution of medication-related problems in patients seen at the Pharmaceutical Care Outpatient Unit.

METHOD

A longitudinal study (January to October 2005) with patients monoinfected by hepatitis C virus receiving ribavirin and peginterferon alfa (2a or 2b). Data collection took place during the interview at the time of antiviral dispensation. Adverse reactions were classified according to CTCEA v3.0 criteria. Iaser methodology was used to identify patients with improvement opportunities regarding treatment.

RESULTS

In all 109 patients and 201 improvement opportunities were identified. Pharmacotherapeutic morbidity was identified from adverse events (blood toxicity, pseudoflu syndrome, etc.) in 425 occasions; 388 pharmaceutical actions were performed, 41.23% to prevent adverse effects and 39.95% to provide patients or carers with information.

CONCLUSIONS

In all, 99.01% of patients had safety problems. Pharmacotherapeutic morbidity from adverse effects was less common than reported in clinical trials of these drugs. Most pharmaceutical actions were preventive in nature. Iaser methodology allows to identify patients with improvement opportunities regarding hepatitis C treatment and the prevention of pharmacotherapeutic morbidity.

Systemic lupus erythematosus following virological response to peginterferon alfa-2b in a transplanted patient with chronic hepatitis C recurrence

Autoimmune manifestations are common both in patients chronically infected by hepatitis C virus, and in patients transplanted for non-autoimmune diseases. A correlation between interferon based treatment and autoimmune diseases or the development of autoantibodies is well established in non-transplanted patients, but few data are available about transplanted patients. It is unclear whether interferon may increase the incidence of acute cellular rejection and there are few reports on the development of atypical autoimmune manifestations during post-liver transplantation interferon or pegylated interferon treatment. We describe a case of systemic lupus erythematosus following treatment with pegylated interferon alfa-2b in a transplanted patient with recurrence of chronic hepatitis C. Our experience suggest that pegylated interferon may induce autoimmune diseases in the immunosuppressed host, different from acute cellular rejection and call for a great attention to possible autoimmune disorders development during interferon based treatments in liver transplanted patients.

Alterations of leptin during IFN-alpha therapy in patients with chronic viral hepatitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Leptin has a particular profibrogenic role in the liver. We investigated whether IFN-alpha influences leptin production in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and C (CHC). Leptin was determined in serial samples from 63 CHB and 42 CHC IFN-alpha treated patients. Furthermore, we evaluated whether leptin alterations were associated with patients' characteristics.

METHODS

Sera were investigated at serial time-points using an enzyme-linked-immunosorbent-assay. Controls consisted of 36 patients with autoimmune liver diseases and 44 healthy patients.

RESULTS

Leptin levels before IFN-alpha administration were higher in CHB and CHC compared to healthy (P<0.004) and diseased controls (P=0.0001). In CHB patients, we observed a significant reduction of leptin during IFN-alpha treatment and lasting for up to 6 months after the end of treatment, followed by an increase reaching pretreatment levels at 1.5 years after stopping therapy. The pattern of leptin alterations was similar in CHC patients where leptin's decrease was more pronounced at 6 months after the end of treatment. Biochemical or virological response to treatment was not associated with leptin reduction in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides information on leptin kinetics during IFN-alpha treatment and follow-up in CHB and CHC patients and suggests IFN-alpha as a potential inhibitor of leptin production.

Chronic hepatitis C virus management: 2000-2005 update

OBJECTIVE

To review recent advances that have significantly changed the management of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

DATA SOURCES

A MEDLINE search (2000-July 2005) was conducted using key words such as hepatitis C, interferon, pegylated interferon, and therapy.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

All articles pertaining to treatment of chronic HCV infection were identified. Studies evaluating HCV treatment in treatment-naive patients were considered for this review.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Over the past several years, response to treatment for chronic HCV infection has significantly improved with the use of pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy. Treatment response is influenced by HCV genotype and viral load, as well as patient-related factors, including adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of chronic HCV infection has improved, with overall response rates of approximately 55%. Identification and management of common adverse effects is important in maximizing adherence and response to therapy. Studies are needed to further delineate the optimum treatment of chronic HCV infection in specific patient populations.