A Significant Number of HCV Patients with Genotype 1b Show a Sustained Response After Prolonged Re-treatment with Interferon Alfa

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A Significant Number of HCV Patients with Genotype 1b Show a Sustained Response

After Prolonged Re-treatment with Interferon Alfa

The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of prolonged

interferon alfa (IFN) re-treatment for 3 years in chronic hepatitis C patients

with high viral load and IFN treatment-resistant genotype 1b.

This pilot study was conducted in 12 patients, not HCV RNA-negative after

completion of the initial treatment. Re-treatment consisted of administration of

6 million international units (MIU) of natural interferon-alpha, two or three

times a week for 3 years.

Study Results

One patient was withdrawn for personal reasons. All other 11 patients completed

treatment without any serious adverse reactions and were followed for 3 years.

Of the patients, 4 (36%) showed a sustained virological response, 5 (45%) showed

a biochemical response, and 2 (18%) relapsed after re-treatment.

All patients with a sustained response had a transient response to initial

therapy. Patients showing a sustained response tested negative for HCV RNA

within the first 6 months of re-treatment.

The authors conclude, " After prolonged IFN re-treatment, a significant number of

patients showed a sustained response for the first time and long-term

improvement in ALT level.

Department of Internal Medicine, Shin-Kokura Hospital, Kitakyushu, Japan.

01/09/04

Reference

H Nomura and others. Pilot study of prolonged interferon-alpha re-treatment in

chronic hepatitis C patients with genotype 1b. Hepatology Research 27(4):

266-271. December 2003.

http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/hep_c/news/010904_a.html