Re: 4-Week Response to Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts Outcome (not sure if posted)

[Guest guest]

Im glad you posted this again Liz cuz I couldnt find it... I know its pretty typical of most of those on tx but there ARE a few who didnt have an early response but did clear eventually,, but mostly if you dont clear by week 4, you probably wont!elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1@...> wrote: 4-Week Response to Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts OutcomeA substantial proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection do not respond to interferon-based therapy. By determining early in the course

of treatment which individuals are likely to achieve sustained virological response (SVR), patients may be spared the side effects and expense of unnecessary additional treatment.Current models used to predict response to treatment with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin are generally based on viral decline during the first 12 weeks of therapy; however, some research indicates that rapid virological response at Week 4 may also be used as a "stopping rule."As reported in the October 2006 Journal of Viral Hepatitis, French researchers developed a multivariate model to predict SVR or non-response at baseline and during the first 12 weeks of therapy. They based the model on data from 186 patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. The model employed ordinal regression with similarity least squares technology to assign the probability of a given outcome. Model

variables included sex, age, prior treatment status, HCV genotype, baseline serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, histological necro-inflammation and fibrosis scores, and serum HCV RNA levels at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. ResultsA multivariate model demonstrated that the model demonstrated high performance values at all time points. At baseline, the model demonstrated a negative predictive value (NPV) of 91% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95%.At Week 4, these values improved to 97% and 100%, respectively, with 95% sensitivity, 89% specificity, and 93% accuracy. At Week 4, the model was equally efficient for treatment-naive and previously treated patients. Internal validation demonstrated 90% PPV, 94% NPV, 95% sensitivity, 88% specificity, and 92% accuracy. Conclusion The researchers concluded that, "A Week 4 stopping rule for patients with chronic

hepatitis C treated with peginterferon with ribavirin might be proposed by using the model developed in our study."Jackie

[Guest guest]

That has always been my problem , I have never cleared

Re: 4-Week Response to Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts Outcome (not sure if posted)

Im glad you posted this again Liz cuz I couldnt find it... I know its pretty typical of most of those on tx but there ARE a few who didnt have an early response but did clear eventually,, but mostly if you dont clear by week 4, you probably wont!elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote:

4-Week Response to Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts OutcomeA substantial proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection do not respond to interferon-based therapy. By determining early in the course of treatment which individuals are likely to achieve sustained virological response (SVR), patients may be spared the side effects and expense of unnecessary additional treatment.Current models used to predict response to treatment with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin are generally based on viral decline during the first 12 weeks of therapy; however, some research indicates that rapid virological response at Week 4 may also be used as a "stopping rule."As reported in the October 2006 Journal of Viral Hepatitis, French researchers developed a multivariate model to predict SVR or non-response at baseline and during the first 12 weeks of therapy. They based the model on data from 186 patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. The model employed ordinal regression with similarity least squares technology to assign the probability of a given outcome. Model variables included sex, age, prior treatment status, HCV genotype, baseline serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, histological necro-inflammation and fibrosis scores, and serum HCV RNA levels at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. ResultsA multivariate model demonstrated that the model demonstrated high performance values at all time points. At baseline, the model demonstrated a negative predictive value (NPV) of 91% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95%.At Week 4, these values improved to 97% and 100%, respectively, with 95% sensitivity, 89% specificity, and 93% accuracy. At Week 4, the model was equally efficient for treatment-naive and previously treated patients. Internal validation demonstrated 90% PPV, 94% NPV, 95% sensitivity, 88% specificity, and 92% accuracy. Conclusion The researchers concluded that, "A Week 4 stopping rule for patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon with ribavirin might be proposed by using the model developed in our study."Jackie

[Guest guest]

So since I didn't clear till week 20, does that mean I am bound to relapse?

Ally

On 10/15/06, Jackie on <redjaxjm@...> wrote:

Im glad you posted this again Liz cuz I couldnt find it... I know its pretty typical of most of those on tx but there ARE a few who didnt have an early response but did clear eventually,, but mostly if you dont clear by week 4, you probably wont! elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1@...> wrote:

4-Week Response to Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts OutcomeA substantial proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection do not respond to interferon-based therapy. By determining early in the course of treatment which individuals are likely to achieve sustained virological response (SVR), patients may be spared the side effects and expense of unnecessary additional treatment.Current models used to predict response to treatment with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin are generally based on viral decline during the first 12 weeks of therapy; however, some research indicates that rapid virological response at Week 4 may also be used as a " stopping rule. " As reported in the October 2006 Journal of Viral Hepatitis, French researchers developed a multivariate model to predict SVR or non-response at baseline and during the first 12 weeks of therapy. They based the model on data from 186 patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. The model employed ordinal regression with similarity least squares technology to assign

the probability of a given outcome. Model variables included sex, age, prior treatment status, HCV genotype, baseline serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, histological necro-inflammation and fibrosis scores, and serum HCV RNA levels at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. ResultsA multivariate model demonstrated that the model demonstrated high performance values at all time points. At baseline, the model demonstrated a negative predictive value (NPV) of 91% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95%.At Week 4, these values improved to 97% and 100%, respectively, with 95% sensitivity, 89% specificity, and 93% accuracy. At Week 4, the model was equally efficient for treatment-naive and previously treated patients. Internal validation demonstrated 90% PPV, 94% NPV, 95% sensitivity, 88% specificity, and 92% accuracy. Conclusion The researchers concluded that, " A Week 4 stopping rule for patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon with ribavirin might be proposed by using the model developed in our study. " Jackie

[Guest guest]

Not neccessarily , there are lots of factors involved with relapse

Re: 4-Week Response to Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts Outcome (not sure if posted)

So since I didn't clear till week 20, does that mean I am bound to relapse?

Ally

On 10/15/06, Jackie on <redjaxjm > wrote:

Im glad you posted this again Liz cuz I couldnt find it... I know its pretty typical of most of those on tx but there ARE a few who didnt have an early response but did clear eventually,, but mostly if you dont clear by week 4, you probably wont! elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote:

4-Week Response to Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts OutcomeA substantial proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection do not respond to interferon-based therapy. By determining early in the course of treatment which individuals are likely to achieve sustained virological response (SVR), patients may be spared the side effects and expense of unnecessary additional treatment.Current models used to predict response to treatment with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin are generally based on viral decline during the first 12 weeks of therapy; however, some research indicates that rapid virological response at Week 4 may also be used as a "stopping rule."As reported in the October 2006 Journal of Viral Hepatitis, French researchers developed a multivariate model to predict SVR or non-response at baseline and during the first 12 weeks of therapy. They based the model on data from 186 patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. The model employed ordinal regression with similarity least squares technology to assign the probability of a given outcome. Model variables included sex, age, prior treatment status, HCV genotype, baseline serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, histological necro-inflammation and fibrosis scores, and serum HCV RNA levels at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. ResultsA multivariate model demonstrated that the model demonstrated high performance values at all time points. At baseline, the model demonstrated a negative predictive value (NPV) of 91% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95%.At Week 4, these values improved to 97% and 100%, respectively, with 95% sensitivity, 89% specificity, and 93% accuracy. At Week 4, the model was equally efficient for treatment-naive and previously treated patients. Internal validation demonstrated 90% PPV, 94% NPV, 95% sensitivity, 88% specificity, and 92% accuracy. Conclusion The researchers concluded that, "A Week 4 stopping rule for patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon with ribavirin might be proposed by using the model developed in our study." Jackie

[Guest guest]

No necessarily,, but I'd certainly talk with your doc about making sure you complete a full 48 weeks AFTER you cleared,, so that would make your tx68-70 weeks instead of 48,, especially if you are geno 1,,, Ally <4thMoon@...> wrote: So since I didn't clear till week 20, does that mean I am bound to relapse? Ally On 10/15/06, Jackie on <redjaxjm > wrote: Im glad you posted this again Liz cuz I couldnt find it... I know its pretty typical of most of those on tx but there ARE a few who didnt have an early response but did clear eventually,, but mostly if you dont clear by week 4, you probably wont! elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote: 4-Week Response to Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts OutcomeA substantial proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection do not respond to interferon-based therapy. By determining early in the course of treatment which individuals are

likely to achieve sustained virological response (SVR), patients may be spared the side effects and expense of unnecessary additional treatment.Current models used to predict response to treatment with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin are generally based on viral decline during the first 12 weeks of therapy; however, some research indicates that rapid virological response at Week 4 may also be used as a "stopping rule."As reported in the October 2006 Journal of Viral Hepatitis, French researchers developed a multivariate model to predict SVR or non-response at baseline and during the first 12 weeks of therapy. They based the model on data from 186 patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. The model employed ordinal regression with similarity least squares technology to assign the probability of a given outcome. Model variables included sex, age, prior

treatment status, HCV genotype, baseline serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, histological necro-inflammation and fibrosis scores, and serum HCV RNA levels at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. ResultsA multivariate model demonstrated that the model demonstrated high performance values at all time points. At baseline, the model demonstrated a negative predictive value (NPV) of 91% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95%.At Week 4, these values improved to 97% and 100%, respectively, with 95% sensitivity, 89% specificity, and 93% accuracy. At Week 4, the model was equally efficient for treatment-naive and previously treated patients. Internal validation demonstrated 90% PPV, 94% NPV, 95% sensitivity, 88% specificity, and 92% accuracy. Conclusion The researchers concluded that, "A Week 4 stopping rule for patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with

peginterferon with ribavirin might be proposed by using the model developed in our study." Jackie Jackie

[Guest guest]

thats because of the iron problem,, and then this last time,, you would have cleared,, I just know it,, but your heart problem got in the way!elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1@...> wrote: That has always been my problem , I have never cleared Re: 4-Week Response to Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts Outcome (not sure if posted) Im glad you posted this again Liz cuz I couldnt find it... I know its pretty typical of most of those on tx but there ARE a few who didnt have an early response but did clear eventually,, but mostly if you dont clear by week 4, you probably wont!elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote: 4-Week Response to Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts OutcomeA substantial proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection do not respond to interferon-based therapy. By determining early in the course of treatment which individuals are likely to achieve sustained virological response (SVR), patients may be spared the side effects and expense of unnecessary additional treatment.Current models used to predict response to treatment with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin are generally based on viral decline during the first 12 weeks of therapy; however, some research indicates that rapid virological response at Week 4 may also be used as a "stopping rule."As reported in the October 2006 Journal of Viral Hepatitis, French researchers developed a multivariate model to predict SVR or non-response at baseline and during the first 12 weeks

of therapy. They based the model on data from 186 patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. The model employed ordinal regression with similarity least squares technology to assign the probability of a given outcome. Model variables included sex, age, prior treatment status, HCV genotype, baseline serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, histological necro-inflammation and fibrosis scores, and serum HCV RNA levels at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. ResultsA multivariate model demonstrated that the model demonstrated high performance values at all time points. At baseline, the model demonstrated a negative predictive value (NPV) of 91% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95%.At Week 4, these values improved to 97% and 100%, respectively, with 95% sensitivity, 89% specificity, and 93% accuracy. At Week 4, the model was equally

efficient for treatment-naive and previously treated patients. Internal validation demonstrated 90% PPV, 94% NPV, 95% sensitivity, 88% specificity, and 92% accuracy. Conclusion The researchers concluded that, "A Week 4 stopping rule for patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon with ribavirin might be proposed by using the model developed in our study."Jackie Jackie

[Guest guest]

LOL dang heart ...always gets in the way lmao . I am not sure I would have cleared , at week 12 I still had a viral load . It was allot lower than it had been but I still had one .

Re: 4-Week Response to Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts Outcome (not sure if posted)

Im glad you posted this again Liz cuz I couldnt find it... I know its pretty typical of most of those on tx but there ARE a few who didnt have an early response but did clear eventually,, but mostly if you dont clear by week 4, you probably wont!elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote:

4-Week Response to Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts OutcomeA substantial proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection do not respond to interferon-based therapy. By determining early in the course of treatment which individuals are likely to achieve sustained virological response (SVR), patients may be spared the side effects and expense of unnecessary additional treatment.Current models used to predict response to treatment with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin are generally based on viral decline during the first 12 weeks of therapy; however, some research indicates that rapid virological response at Week 4 may also be used as a "stopping rule."As reported in the October 2006 Journal of Viral Hepatitis, French researchers developed a multivariate model to predict SVR or non-response at baseline and during the first 12 weeks of therapy. They based the model on data from 186 patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. The model employed ordinal regression with similarity least squares technology to assign the probability of a given outcome. Model variables included sex, age, prior treatment status, HCV genotype, baseline serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, histological necro-inflammation and fibrosis scores, and serum HCV RNA levels at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. ResultsA multivariate model demonstrated that the model demonstrated high performance values at all time points. At baseline, the model demonstrated a negative predictive value (NPV) of 91% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95%.At Week 4, these values improved to 97% and 100%, respectively, with 95% sensitivity, 89% specificity, and 93% accuracy. At Week 4, the model was equally efficient for treatment-naive and previously treated patients. Internal validation demonstrated 90% PPV, 94% NPV, 95% sensitivity, 88% specificity, and 92% accuracy. Conclusion The researchers concluded that, "A Week 4 stopping rule for patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon with ribavirin might be proposed by using the model developed in our study."Jackie

Jackie

[Guest guest]

well I think and feel that you would have made the 'undetectible' status by week 16,, and then you would have just had to add a couple of weeks extra,, dang it,,elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1@...> wrote: LOL dang heart ...always gets in the way lmao . I am not sure I would have cleared , at week 12 I still had a viral load . It was allot lower than it had been but I still had one . -----

Original Message ----- From: Jackie on Hepatitis C Sent: Monday, October 16, 2006 4:48 PM Subject: Re: 4-Week Response to Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts Outcome (not sure if posted) thats because of the iron problem,, and then this last time,, you would have cleared,, I just know it,, but your heart problem got in the way!elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote: That has always been my problem , I have never cleared Re: 4-Week Response to Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts Outcome (not sure if posted) Im glad you posted this again Liz cuz I couldnt find it...

I know its pretty typical of most of those on tx but there ARE a few who didnt have an early response but did clear eventually,, but mostly if you dont clear by week 4, you probably wont!elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote: 4-Week Response to Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts OutcomeA substantial proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection do not respond to interferon-based therapy. By determining early in the course of treatment which individuals are likely to achieve sustained virological response (SVR), patients may be spared the side effects and expense of unnecessary additional treatment.Current models used to predict response to treatment with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin are generally

based on viral decline during the first 12 weeks of therapy; however, some research indicates that rapid virological response at Week 4 may also be used as a "stopping rule."As reported in the October 2006 Journal of Viral Hepatitis, French researchers developed a multivariate model to predict SVR or non-response at baseline and during the first 12 weeks of therapy. They based the model on data from 186 patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. The model employed ordinal regression with similarity least squares technology to assign the probability of a given outcome. Model variables included sex, age, prior treatment status, HCV genotype, baseline serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, histological necro-inflammation and fibrosis scores, and serum HCV RNA levels at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. ResultsA multivariate model demonstrated that

the model demonstrated high performance values at all time points. At baseline, the model demonstrated a negative predictive value (NPV) of 91% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95%.At Week 4, these values improved to 97% and 100%, respectively, with 95% sensitivity, 89% specificity, and 93% accuracy. At Week 4, the model was equally efficient for treatment-naive and previously treated patients. Internal validation demonstrated 90% PPV, 94% NPV, 95% sensitivity, 88% specificity, and 92% accuracy. Conclusion The researchers concluded that, "A Week 4 stopping rule for patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon with ribavirin might be proposed by using the model developed in our study."Jackie Jackie Jackie

[Guest guest]

Oh yes, I am doing more then 48 weeks. I added um, around 52 weeks after I cleared which makes it a total of 72 weeks so my hopes are on that will do the trick for me. She did another test at 24 weeks and I was still clear so I am feeling pretty good about it.

Ally

G1A

On 10/16/06, Jackie on <redjaxjm@...> wrote:

No necessarily,, but I'd certainly talk with your doc about making sure you complete a full 48 weeks AFTER you cleared,, so that would make your tx68-70 weeks instead of 48,, especially if you are geno 1,,, Ally <4thMoon@...> wrote:

So since I didn't clear till week 20, does that mean I am bound to relapse?

Ally

On 10/15/06, Jackie on <redjaxjm@...

> wrote:

Im glad you posted this again Liz cuz I couldnt find it... I know its pretty typical of most of those on tx but there ARE a few who didnt have an early response but did clear eventually,, but mostly if you dont clear by week 4, you probably wont! elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1@...> wrote:

4-Week Response to Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts OutcomeA substantial proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection do not respond to interferon-based therapy. By determining early in the course of treatment which individuals are likely to achieve sustained virological response (SVR), patients may be spared the side effects and expense of unnecessary additional treatment.Current models used to predict response to treatment with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin are generally based on viral decline during the first 12 weeks of therapy; however, some research indicates that rapid virological response at Week 4 may also be used as a " stopping rule. " As reported in the October 2006 Journal of Viral Hepatitis, French researchers developed a multivariate model to predict SVR or non-response at baseline and during the first 12 weeks of therapy. They based the model on data from 186 patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. The model employed ordinal regression with similarity least squares technology to assign

the probability of a given outcome. Model variables included sex, age, prior treatment status, HCV genotype, baseline serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, histological necro-inflammation and fibrosis scores, and serum HCV RNA levels at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. ResultsA multivariate model demonstrated that the model demonstrated high performance values at all time points. At baseline, the model demonstrated a negative predictive value (NPV) of 91% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95%.At Week 4, these values improved to 97% and 100%, respectively, with 95% sensitivity, 89% specificity, and 93% accuracy. At Week 4, the model was equally efficient for treatment-naive and previously treated patients. Internal validation demonstrated 90% PPV, 94% NPV, 95% sensitivity, 88% specificity, and 92% accuracy. Conclusion The researchers concluded that, " A Week 4 stopping rule for patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon with ribavirin might be proposed by using the model developed in our study. " Jackie

Jackie

[Guest guest]

Oh well , my fate is sealed now ...unfortunately . The protease inhibitors should be out by 2008 and then as long as I am able I will attempt treatment #5 , lol

Re: 4-Week Response to Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts Outcome (not sure if posted)

Im glad you posted this again Liz cuz I couldnt find it... I know its pretty typical of most of those on tx but there ARE a few who didnt have an early response but did clear eventually,, but mostly if you dont clear by week 4, you probably wont!elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote:

4-Week Response to Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts OutcomeA substantial proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection do not respond to interferon-based therapy. By determining early in the course of treatment which individuals are likely to achieve sustained virological response (SVR), patients may be spared the side effects and expense of unnecessary additional treatment.Current models used to predict response to treatment with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin are generally based on viral decline during the first 12 weeks of therapy; however, some research indicates that rapid virological response at Week 4 may also be used as a "stopping rule."As reported in the October 2006 Journal of Viral Hepatitis, French researchers developed a multivariate model to predict SVR or non-response at baseline and during the first 12 weeks of therapy. They based the model on data from 186 patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. The model employed ordinal regression with similarity least squares technology to assign the probability of a given outcome. Model variables included sex, age, prior treatment status, HCV genotype, baseline serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, histological necro-inflammation and fibrosis scores, and serum HCV RNA levels at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. ResultsA multivariate model demonstrated that the model demonstrated high performance values at all time points. At baseline, the model demonstrated a negative predictive value (NPV) of 91% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95%.At Week 4, these values improved to 97% and 100%, respectively, with 95% sensitivity, 89% specificity, and 93% accuracy. At Week 4, the model was equally efficient for treatment-naive and previously treated patients. Internal validation demonstrated 90% PPV, 94% NPV, 95% sensitivity, 88% specificity, and 92% accuracy. Conclusion The researchers concluded that, "A Week 4 stopping rule for patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon with ribavirin might be proposed by using the model developed in our study."Jackie

Jackie

Jackie

[Guest guest]

Good for you. Love JanetAlly <4thMoon@...> wrote: Oh yes, I am doing more then 48 weeks. I added um, around 52 weeks after I cleared which makes it a total of 72 weeks so my hopes are on that will do the trick for me. She did another test at 24 weeks and I was still clear so I am feeling pretty good about it. Ally G1A On

10/16/06, Jackie on <redjaxjm > wrote: No necessarily,, but I'd certainly talk with your doc about making sure you complete a full 48 weeks AFTER you cleared,, so that would make your tx68-70 weeks instead of 48,, especially if you are geno 1,,, Ally <4thMoongmail> wrote: So since I didn't clear till week 20, does that mean I am bound to relapse? Ally On 10/15/06, Jackie on <redjaxjm > wrote: Im glad you posted this again Liz cuz I couldnt find it... I know its pretty typical of most of those on tx but there ARE a few who didnt have an early response but did clear eventually,, but mostly if you dont clear by week 4, you probably wont! elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote: 4-Week Response to Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts OutcomeA substantial proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection do not respond to interferon-based therapy. By determining early in the course of treatment which individuals are likely to achieve sustained

virological response (SVR), patients may be spared the side effects and expense of unnecessary additional treatment.Current models used to predict response to treatment with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin are generally based on viral decline during the first 12 weeks of therapy; however, some research indicates that rapid virological response at Week 4 may also be used as a "stopping rule."As reported in the October 2006 Journal of Viral Hepatitis, French researchers developed a multivariate model to predict SVR or non-response at baseline and during the first 12 weeks of therapy. They based the model on data from 186 patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. The model employed ordinal regression with similarity least squares technology to assign the probability of a given outcome. Model variables included sex, age, prior treatment status, HCV

genotype, baseline serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, histological necro-inflammation and fibrosis scores, and serum HCV RNA levels at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. ResultsA multivariate model demonstrated that the model demonstrated high performance values at all time points. At baseline, the model demonstrated a negative predictive value (NPV) of 91% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95%.At Week 4, these values improved to 97% and 100%, respectively, with 95% sensitivity, 89% specificity, and 93% accuracy. At Week 4, the model was equally efficient for treatment-naive and previously treated patients. Internal validation demonstrated 90% PPV, 94% NPV, 95% sensitivity, 88% specificity, and 92% accuracy. Conclusion The researchers concluded that, "A Week 4 stopping rule for patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon with ribavirin

might be proposed by using the model developed in our study." Jackie Jackie Take the ordinary things of life, and make them your own. Do the impossible with a smile

[Guest guest]

well 08 isnt THAT far off hon,, YOU WILL MAKE IT and YOU WILL clear this time!!!elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1@...> wrote: Oh well , my fate is sealed now ...unfortunately . The protease inhibitors should be out by 2008 and then as long as I am able I will attempt treatment #5 , lol Re: 4-Week Response to Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts Outcome (not sure if posted) Im glad you posted this again Liz cuz I couldnt find it... I know its pretty typical of most of those on tx but there ARE a few who didnt have an early response but did clear eventually,, but mostly if you dont clear by week 4, you probably wont!elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote: 4-Week Response to Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts OutcomeA substantial proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection do not respond to interferon-based therapy. By determining early in

the course of treatment which individuals are likely to achieve sustained virological response (SVR), patients may be spared the side effects and expense of unnecessary additional treatment.Current models used to predict response to treatment with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin are generally based on viral decline during the first 12 weeks of therapy; however, some research indicates that rapid virological response at Week 4 may also be used as a "stopping rule."As reported in the October 2006 Journal of Viral Hepatitis, French researchers developed a multivariate model to predict SVR or non-response at baseline and during the first 12 weeks of therapy. They based the model on data from 186 patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. The model employed ordinal regression with similarity least squares technology to assign the probability of a given outcome.

Model variables included sex, age, prior treatment status, HCV genotype, baseline serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, histological necro-inflammation and fibrosis scores, and serum HCV RNA levels at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. ResultsA multivariate model demonstrated that the model demonstrated high performance values at all time points. At baseline, the model demonstrated a negative predictive value (NPV) of 91% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95%.At Week 4, these values improved to 97% and 100%, respectively, with 95% sensitivity, 89% specificity, and 93% accuracy. At Week 4, the model was equally efficient for treatment-naive and previously treated patients. Internal validation demonstrated 90% PPV, 94% NPV, 95% sensitivity, 88% specificity, and 92% accuracy. Conclusion The researchers concluded that, "A Week 4 stopping rule for patients

with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon with ribavirin might be proposed by using the model developed in our study."Jackie Jackie Jackie Jackie

[Guest guest]

THATS great Ally,, Im sure you are gonna do ok then,, Im glad they are adding weeks to your tx to make sure you get the full 48 weeks after clearing!!! sounds like your doc is up on things,, that thats good!!Ally <4thMoon@...> wrote: Oh yes, I am doing more then 48 weeks. I added um, around 52 weeks after I cleared which makes it a total of 72 weeks so my hopes are on that will do the trick for me. She did another test at 24 weeks and I was still clear so I am feeling pretty good about it.

Ally G1A On 10/16/06, Jackie on <redjaxjm > wrote: No necessarily,, but I'd certainly talk with your doc about making sure you complete a full 48 weeks AFTER you cleared,, so that would make your tx68-70 weeks instead of 48,, especially if you are geno 1,,, Ally <4thMoongmail> wrote: So since I didn't clear till week 20, does that mean I am bound to relapse? Ally On 10/15/06, Jackie on <redjaxjm > wrote: Im glad you posted this again Liz cuz I couldnt find it... I know its pretty typical of most of those on tx but there ARE a few who didnt have an early response but did clear eventually,, but mostly if you dont clear by week 4, you probably wont! elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote: 4-Week Response to Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts OutcomeA substantial proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection do not respond to interferon-based therapy. By determining early in

the course of treatment which individuals are likely to achieve sustained virological response (SVR), patients may be spared the side effects and expense of unnecessary additional treatment.Current models used to predict response to treatment with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin are generally based on viral decline during the first 12 weeks of therapy; however, some research indicates that rapid virological response at Week 4 may also be used as a "stopping rule."As reported in the October 2006 Journal of Viral Hepatitis, French researchers developed a multivariate model to predict SVR or non-response at baseline and during the first 12 weeks of therapy. They based the model on data from 186 patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. The model employed ordinal regression with similarity least squares technology to assign the probability of a given outcome.

Model variables included sex, age, prior treatment status, HCV genotype, baseline serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, histological necro-inflammation and fibrosis scores, and serum HCV RNA levels at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. ResultsA multivariate model demonstrated that the model demonstrated high performance values at all time points. At baseline, the model demonstrated a negative predictive value (NPV) of 91% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95%.At Week 4, these values improved to 97% and 100%, respectively, with 95% sensitivity, 89% specificity, and 93% accuracy. At Week 4, the model was equally efficient for treatment-naive and previously treated patients. Internal validation demonstrated 90% PPV, 94% NPV, 95% sensitivity, 88% specificity, and 92% accuracy. Conclusion The researchers concluded that, "A Week 4 stopping rule for patients

with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon with ribavirin might be proposed by using the model developed in our study." Jackie Jackie Jackie

[Guest guest]

Ally, it sounds like you are in very good health other than the hep c,

because you are saying that you are still going to the gym, etc.

throughout the tx. If I start the tx, I would like ot be in as good a

condition as possible beforehand, as it will probably make the process

more tolerable (at least I hope so!). I will have to keep working,

taking care of teenagers, etc. through tx if I opt to do it now.

What did you do, besides exercise, to prepare for tx? I take vitamins

and " hep-C-friendly supplements " , don't drink alcolhol or soda, no

fast foods or processed foods. I am a bit overweight (20 lbs) due to

my inability to resist sweets (working on that addiction though), but

otherwise I am in good shape. I am 42, and I do a lot of walking and

will start riding my bicycle again. Would weight training be a good

idea, or more cardio? What's your diet like, before tx and now?

Apologies for the questions, but you seem like you are doing great

through the tx and I want to know your " secrets " !

Blessings,

4-Week Response to

Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts Outcome

>

> A substantial proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus

> (HCV) infection do not respond to interferon-based therapy. By

> determining early in the course of treatment which individuals are

> likely to achieve sustained virological response (SVR), patients may

> be spared the side effects and expense of unnecessary additional

> treatment.

>

> Current models used to predict response to treatment with pegylated

> interferon plus ribavirin are generally based on viral decline during

> the first 12 weeks of therapy; however, some research indicates that

> rapid virological response at Week 4 may also be used as a " stopping

> rule. "

>

> As reported in the October 2006 Journal of Viral Hepatitis, French

> researchers developed a multivariate model to predict SVR or non-

> response at baseline and during the first 12 weeks of therapy. They

> based the model on data from 186 patients with chronic hepatitis C

> treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. The model employed

> ordinal regression with similarity least squares technology to assign

> the probability of a given outcome.

>

> Model variables included sex, age, prior treatment status, HCV

> genotype, baseline serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level,

> histological necro-inflammation and fibrosis scores, and serum HCV

> RNA levels at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks.

>

> Results

>

> A multivariate model demonstrated that the model demonstrated high

> performance values at all time points.

>

> At baseline, the model demonstrated a negative predictive value

> (NPV) of 91% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95%.

>

> At Week 4, these values improved to 97% and 100%, respectively, with

> 95% sensitivity, 89% specificity, and 93% accuracy.

>

> At Week 4, the model was equally efficient for treatment-naive and

> previously treated patients.

>

> Internal validation demonstrated 90% PPV, 94% NPV, 95% sensitivity,

> 88% specificity, and 92% accuracy.

>

> Conclusion

>

> The researchers concluded that, " A Week 4 stopping rule for patients

> with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon with ribavirin

> might be proposed by using the model developed in our study. "

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Jackie

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Jackie

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Jackie

>

[Guest guest]

As long as the liver holds out that long ...

Re: 4-Week Response to Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts Outcome (not sure if posted)

Im glad you posted this again Liz cuz I couldnt find it... I know its pretty typical of most of those on tx but there ARE a few who didnt have an early response but did clear eventually,, but mostly if you dont clear by week 4, you probably wont!elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote:

4-Week Response to Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts OutcomeA substantial proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection do not respond to interferon-based therapy. By determining early in the course of treatment which individuals are likely to achieve sustained virological response (SVR), patients may be spared the side effects and expense of unnecessary additional treatment.Current models used to predict response to treatment with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin are generally based on viral decline during the first 12 weeks of therapy; however, some research indicates that rapid virological response at Week 4 may also be used as a "stopping rule."As reported in the October 2006 Journal of Viral Hepatitis, French researchers developed a multivariate model to predict SVR or non-response at baseline and during the first 12 weeks of therapy. They based the model on data from 186 patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. The model employed ordinal regression with similarity least squares technology to assign the probability of a given outcome. Model variables included sex, age, prior treatment status, HCV genotype, baseline serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, histological necro-inflammation and fibrosis scores, and serum HCV RNA levels at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. ResultsA multivariate model demonstrated that the model demonstrated high performance values at all time points. At baseline, the model demonstrated a negative predictive value (NPV) of 91% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95%.At Week 4, these values improved to 97% and 100%, respectively, with 95% sensitivity, 89% specificity, and 93% accuracy. At Week 4, the model was equally efficient for treatment-naive and previously treated patients. Internal validation demonstrated 90% PPV, 94% NPV, 95% sensitivity, 88% specificity, and 92% accuracy. Conclusion The researchers concluded that, "A Week 4 stopping rule for patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon with ribavirin might be proposed by using the model developed in our study."Jackie

Jackie

Jackie

Jackie

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Sounds like you are in a great place healthwise to do treatment. I was eating a basic balanced diet with very little sugar and lots of exercise. Weight training might be a good idea to gain as much muscle or at least to retain as much muscle as possible because you will lose some muscle mass during treatment. I do a combination of cardio and weights through-out the week. As I progressed on treatment I improved my diet considerably and noticed a mark improvement in how I felt overall. Now I eat lean poultry, brown rice, whole grains, fruits and veggies and drink lots of water. I also take a supplement called Juven (checked with my Dr who heartily approves of it). http://www.prosure.com/Juven/

I also kept in constant communication with my Dr about my sides so she could give me whatever I needed to deal with them. From what I am hearing here, I am one of the lucky ones as far as Drs go. I think the biggest thing that helped me though was my attitude. I just jumped in with two feet and decided to give this all I had no matter how I would feel or how long it would take.

As far as preparing, I didn't because I started treatment the same week I found out my VL so had no time to. Fortunately I was already in good health to begin with. As far as Vitamins, I take a multi, Vit E and Vit C.

The first 13 weeks I had a lot of sides but they improved a lot after that so how you feel in the beginning doesn't neccesitate how it will be later on. There is always hope, at least, that is how I felt and it made a difference for me, thankfully.

Ally

On 10/19/06, marvindamartian05 <marvindamartian05@...> wrote:

Ally, it sounds like you are in very good health other than the hep c,because you are saying that you are still going to the gym, etc.throughout the tx. If I start the tx, I would like ot be in as good a

condition as possible beforehand, as it will probably make the processmore tolerable (at least I hope so!). I will have to keep working,taking care of teenagers, etc. through tx if I opt to do it now.What did you do, besides exercise, to prepare for tx? I take vitamins

and " hep-C-friendly supplements " , don't drink alcolhol or soda, nofast foods or processed foods. I am a bit overweight (20 lbs) due tomy inability to resist sweets (working on that addiction though), but

otherwise I am in good shape. I am 42, and I do a lot of walking andwill start riding my bicycle again. Would weight training be a goodidea, or more cardio? What's your diet like, before tx and now?Apologies for the questions, but you seem like you are doing great

through the tx and I want to know your " secrets " !Blessings, 4-Week Response to Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts Outcome> > A substantial proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus > (HCV) infection do not respond to interferon-based therapy. By > determining early in the course of treatment which individuals are > likely to achieve sustained virological response (SVR), patients may > be spared the side effects and expense of unnecessary additional > treatment.> > Current models used to predict response to treatment with pegylated > interferon plus ribavirin are generally based on viral decline during > the first 12 weeks of therapy; however, some research indicates that > rapid virological response at Week 4 may also be used as a " stopping > rule. " > > As reported in the October 2006 Journal of Viral Hepatitis, French > researchers developed a multivariate model to predict SVR or non-

> response at baseline and during the first 12 weeks of therapy. They > based the model on data from 186 patients with chronic hepatitis C > treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. The model employed > ordinal regression with similarity least squares technology to assign > the probability of a given outcome. > > Model variables included sex, age, prior treatment status, HCV > genotype, baseline serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, > histological necro-inflammation and fibrosis scores, and serum HCV > RNA levels at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. > > Results> > A multivariate model demonstrated that the model demonstrated high > performance values at all time points. > > At baseline, the model demonstrated a negative predictive value > (NPV) of 91% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95%.> > At Week 4, these values improved to 97% and 100%, respectively, with > 95% sensitivity, 89% specificity, and 93% accuracy. > > At Week 4, the model was equally efficient for treatment-naive and > previously treated patients. > > Internal validation demonstrated 90% PPV, 94% NPV, 95% sensitivity, > 88% specificity, and 92% accuracy. > > Conclusion > > The researchers concluded that, " A Week 4 stopping rule for patients > with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon with ribavirin > might be proposed by using the model developed in our study. " > > > > > > > > Jackie > > > > > > >

> > > > > > > > Jackie> > > > > > > > > > > > > > Jackie>

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much Ally! I do think I am going to go ahead, as it seems

like the optimum time and I, like you, tend to jump in with both

feet. My thought is that I will take the next few months (through the

holidays) getting into the best physical and mental shape possible,

and start tx in January. I will need a full year, so provided all

goes well, I can can celebrate my last shot of near New Year's of

2008. I would love to be able to say that I slayed the dragon! I take

Vit E, C, multi, Selenium, and then ALA, N-A-C, SAMe, milk thistle,

and drink gallons of water. I add soy lethicin to my cereal, eat lots

of fruits, veggies and brown rice, and have cut down on the red meat

considerably. If I can get my butt on the bike and pick up some

weights, I will be on a roll.

Next inititive is to get my head in a good place, and this group has

been very helpful with that. Tonight I am attending a meeting of a

hepc support group that I heard about here in SoCal (they meet at

Saddleback Church in Lake Forest), and I am so looking forward to

meeting other sufferers and enjoying some fellowship. Any ideas in

this regard are much appreciated - I need to reduce my stress.

Last night my fiance rushed me to the emergency room because I

thought I was having a heart attack! Sharp pains down my left arm,

chest pains, the works. Boy, you haven't seen people move fast til

you walk into Emergency in your pj's and tell them you have chest

pains. Turns out, my heart is in GREAT shape, but I had an acute

muscle spasm in my back which " recruited " the muscles in my chest,

shoulders and arm to contract causing a great deal of pain. The

cause? STRESS!! So, now I have a " prescription " for massages and hot

tub soaks...that should help.

Peace,

4-Week Response to

> > Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts Outcome

> > >

> > > A substantial proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis C

virus

> > > (HCV) infection do not respond to interferon-based therapy. By

> > > determining early in the course of treatment which individuals

are

> > > likely to achieve sustained virological response (SVR),

patients may

> > > be spared the side effects and expense of unnecessary additional

> > > treatment.

> > >

> > > Current models used to predict response to treatment with

pegylated

> > > interferon plus ribavirin are generally based on viral decline

during

> > > the first 12 weeks of therapy; however, some research indicates

that

> > > rapid virological response at Week 4 may also be used as

a " stopping

> > > rule. "

> > >

> > > As reported in the October 2006 Journal of Viral Hepatitis,

French

> > > researchers developed a multivariate model to predict SVR or

non-

> > > response at baseline and during the first 12 weeks of therapy.

They

> > > based the model on data from 186 patients with chronic

hepatitis C

> > > treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. The model

employed

> > > ordinal regression with similarity least squares technology to

assign

> > > the probability of a given outcome.

> > >

> > > Model variables included sex, age, prior treatment status, HCV

> > > genotype, baseline serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level,

> > > histological necro-inflammation and fibrosis scores, and serum

HCV

> > > RNA levels at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks.

> > >

> > > Results

> > >

> > > A multivariate model demonstrated that the model demonstrated

high

> > > performance values at all time points.

> > >

> > > At baseline, the model demonstrated a negative predictive value

> > > (NPV) of 91% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95%.

> > >

> > > At Week 4, these values improved to 97% and 100%, respectively,

with

> > > 95% sensitivity, 89% specificity, and 93% accuracy.

> > >

> > > At Week 4, the model was equally efficient for treatment-naive

and

> > > previously treated patients.

> > >

> > > Internal validation demonstrated 90% PPV, 94% NPV, 95%

sensitivity,

> > > 88% specificity, and 92% accuracy.

> > >

> > > Conclusion

> > >

> > > The researchers concluded that, " A Week 4 stopping rule for

patients

> > > with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon with

ribavirin

> > > might be proposed by using the model developed in our study. "

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Jackie

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Jackie

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Jackie

> > >

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

,, sounds like things are going well and you are 'gearing up for tx",, Im glad you decided to wait until after the Holidays,, it will make for a better Christmas.. I just wanted to tell you that your diet sounds great , but I just wanted to throw in my 2 cents about making sure you are getting enough protein as that is one of the MOST important things while on tx,,, unless you have cirrhosis which you dont,,,, so you need to have a protein based diet while on tx... The Rn at Scherring told me that THAT was the MOST important thing besides drinking all the water to help you reach SVR... watch the carbs,, even the good carbs as they all break down into sugar and can cause you to become diabetic on tx,, or at least thats what they told me... Let us know how the support group goes and if you found it to be helpful! hugs jaxmarvindamartian05

<marvindamartian05@...> wrote: Thanks so much Ally! I do think I am going to go ahead, as it seems like the optimum time and I, like you, tend to jump in with both feet. My thought is that I will take the next few months (through the holidays) getting into the best physical and mental shape possible, and start tx in January. I will need a full year, so provided all goes well, I can can celebrate my last shot of near New Year's of 2008. I would love to be able to say that I slayed the dragon! I take

Vit E, C, multi, Selenium, and then ALA, N-A-C, SAMe, milk thistle, and drink gallons of water. I add soy lethicin to my cereal, eat lots of fruits, veggies and brown rice, and have cut down on the red meat considerably. If I can get my butt on the bike and pick up some weights, I will be on a roll. Next inititive is to get my head in a good place, and this group has been very helpful with that. Tonight I am attending a meeting of a hepc support group that I heard about here in SoCal (they meet at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest), and I am so looking forward to meeting other sufferers and enjoying some fellowship. Any ideas in this regard are much appreciated - I need to reduce my stress. Last night my fiance rushed me to the emergency room because I thought I was having a heart attack! Sharp pains down my left arm, chest pains, the works. Boy, you haven't seen people move fast til you walk into Emergency

in your pj's and tell them you have chest pains. Turns out, my heart is in GREAT shape, but I had an acute muscle spasm in my back which "recruited" the muscles in my chest, shoulders and arm to contract causing a great deal of pain. The cause? STRESS!! So, now I have a "prescription" for massages and hot tub soaks...that should help.Peace, 4-Week Response to> > Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts Outcome> > >> > > A substantial proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus> > > (HCV) infection do not respond to interferon-based therapy. By> > > determining early in the course of treatment which individuals are> > > likely to achieve sustained virological response (SVR), patients may> > > be spared the side effects and expense of unnecessary additional> > > treatment.> > >> > > Current models used to predict response to treatment with pegylated> > > interferon plus ribavirin are generally based on viral decline during> > > the first 12 weeks of therapy; however, some research indicates that> > > rapid virological response at Week 4 may also be used as a "stopping>

> > rule."> > >> > > As reported in the October 2006 Journal of Viral Hepatitis, French> > > researchers developed a multivariate model to predict SVR or non-> > > response at baseline and during the first 12 weeks of therapy. They> > > based the model on data from 186 patients with chronic hepatitis C> > > treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. The model employed> > > ordinal regression with similarity least squares technology to assign> > > the probability of a given outcome.> > >> > > Model variables included sex, age, prior treatment status, HCV> > > genotype, baseline serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level,> > > histological necro-inflammation and fibrosis scores, and serum HCV> > > RNA levels at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks.> >

>> > > Results> > >> > > A multivariate model demonstrated that the model demonstrated high> > > performance values at all time points.> > >> > > At baseline, the model demonstrated a negative predictive value> > > (NPV) of 91% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95%.> > >> > > At Week 4, these values improved to 97% and 100%, respectively, with> > > 95% sensitivity, 89% specificity, and 93% accuracy.> > >> > > At Week 4, the model was equally efficient for treatment-naive and> > > previously treated patients.> > >> > > Internal validation demonstrated 90% PPV, 94% NPV, 95% sensitivity,> > > 88% specificity, and 92% accuracy.> > >> > > Conclusion> > >> > > The researchers concluded that, "A

Week 4 stopping rule for patients> > > with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon with ribavirin> > > might be proposed by using the model developed in our study."> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > > Jackie> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > > Jackie> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > > Jackie> > >> >> > >

>>Jackie

[Guest guest]

IT WILL,,, Im talking to God right now about ya! love you Liz, jaxelizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1@...> wrote: As long as the liver holds out that long ... Re: 4-Week Response to Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts Outcome (not sure if posted) Im glad you posted this again Liz cuz I couldnt find it... I know its pretty typical of most of those on tx but there ARE a few who didnt have an early response but did clear eventually,, but mostly if you dont clear by week 4, you probably wont!elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote: 4-Week

Response to Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts OutcomeA substantial proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection do not respond to interferon-based therapy. By determining early in the course of treatment which individuals are likely to achieve sustained virological response (SVR), patients may be spared the side effects and expense of unnecessary additional treatment.Current models used to predict response to treatment with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin are generally based on viral decline during the first 12 weeks of therapy; however, some research indicates that rapid virological response at Week 4 may also be used as a "stopping rule."As reported in the October 2006 Journal of Viral Hepatitis, French researchers developed a multivariate model to predict SVR or non-response at baseline and during the first 12 weeks of therapy. They based the model on data from 186 patients

with chronic hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. The model employed ordinal regression with similarity least squares technology to assign the probability of a given outcome. Model variables included sex, age, prior treatment status, HCV genotype, baseline serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, histological necro-inflammation and fibrosis scores, and serum HCV RNA levels at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. ResultsA multivariate model demonstrated that the model demonstrated high performance values at all time points. At baseline, the model demonstrated a negative predictive value (NPV) of 91% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95%.At Week 4, these values improved to 97% and 100%, respectively, with 95% sensitivity, 89% specificity, and 93% accuracy. At Week 4, the model was equally efficient for treatment-naive and previously treated patients.

Internal validation demonstrated 90% PPV, 94% NPV, 95% sensitivity, 88% specificity, and 92% accuracy. Conclusion The researchers concluded that, "A Week 4 stopping rule for patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon with ribavirin might be proposed by using the model developed in our study."Jackie Jackie Jackie Jackie Jackie

[Guest guest]

Oh my gosh, the support group meeting was great. I cannot begin to

describe some of the awesome people I met, and I am so glad that

this group exists. One of the guys has had 2 liver transplants

already, looks great and is an inspiration. A couple of the people

are in the midst of tx, some are done and cleared, some not. They

had a psychologist there as the speaker, and he gave a very helpful

talk about depression and other emotional aspects of tx and just

living with hep c in general. One of the people who went through tx

said that one should get their " ducks in a row " before starting tx,

and it was funny because I had been making that plan in my head for

the past few days. It was so helpful, inspirational and

enlightening, and I have a better (realistic) idea of what to expect

for the year ahead.

4-Week Response to

> > > Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts Outcome

> > > >

> > > > A substantial proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis

C

> virus

> > > > (HCV) infection do not respond to interferon-based therapy.

By

> > > > determining early in the course of treatment which

individuals

> are

> > > > likely to achieve sustained virological response (SVR),

> patients may

> > > > be spared the side effects and expense of unnecessary

additional

> > > > treatment.

> > > >

> > > > Current models used to predict response to treatment with

> pegylated

> > > > interferon plus ribavirin are generally based on viral

decline

> during

> > > > the first 12 weeks of therapy; however, some research

indicates

> that

> > > > rapid virological response at Week 4 may also be used as

> a " stopping

> > > > rule. "

> > > >

> > > > As reported in the October 2006 Journal of Viral Hepatitis,

> French

> > > > researchers developed a multivariate model to predict SVR or

> non-

> > > > response at baseline and during the first 12 weeks of

therapy.

> They

> > > > based the model on data from 186 patients with chronic

> hepatitis C

> > > > treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. The model

> employed

> > > > ordinal regression with similarity least squares technology

to

> assign

> > > > the probability of a given outcome.

> > > >

> > > > Model variables included sex, age, prior treatment status,

HCV

> > > > genotype, baseline serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT)

level,

> > > > histological necro-inflammation and fibrosis scores, and

serum

> HCV

> > > > RNA levels at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks.

> > > >

> > > > Results

> > > >

> > > > A multivariate model demonstrated that the model

demonstrated

> high

> > > > performance values at all time points.

> > > >

> > > > At baseline, the model demonstrated a negative predictive

value

> > > > (NPV) of 91% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95%.

> > > >

> > > > At Week 4, these values improved to 97% and 100%,

respectively,

> with

> > > > 95% sensitivity, 89% specificity, and 93% accuracy.

> > > >

> > > > At Week 4, the model was equally efficient for treatment-

naive

> and

> > > > previously treated patients.

> > > >

> > > > Internal validation demonstrated 90% PPV, 94% NPV, 95%

> sensitivity,

> > > > 88% specificity, and 92% accuracy.

> > > >

> > > > Conclusion

> > > >

> > > > The researchers concluded that, " A Week 4 stopping rule for

> patients

> > > > with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon with

> ribavirin

> > > > might be proposed by using the model developed in our study. "

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Jackie

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Jackie

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Jackie

> > > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Jackie

>

[Guest guest]

Jax, that is the best news I have heard today - I get to have steak

once in a while!! Hope I have the appetite...most of the people at

the meeting tonight said they had not appetite during tx...some of

them lived on protein shakes and lost a lot of weight. As Ally said,

they lost muscle mass too. One gal couldn't eat at all and ended up

smoking pot so she would have an appetite.

4-Week Response to

> > > Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts Outcome

> > > >

> > > > A substantial proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis

C

> virus

> > > > (HCV) infection do not respond to interferon-based therapy.

By

> > > > determining early in the course of treatment which

individuals

> are

> > > > likely to achieve sustained virological response (SVR),

> patients may

> > > > be spared the side effects and expense of unnecessary

additional

> > > > treatment.

> > > >

> > > > Current models used to predict response to treatment with

> pegylated

> > > > interferon plus ribavirin are generally based on viral

decline

> during

> > > > the first 12 weeks of therapy; however, some research

indicates

> that

> > > > rapid virological response at Week 4 may also be used as

> a " stopping

> > > > rule. "

> > > >

> > > > As reported in the October 2006 Journal of Viral Hepatitis,

> French

> > > > researchers developed a multivariate model to predict SVR or

> non-

> > > > response at baseline and during the first 12 weeks of

therapy.

> They

> > > > based the model on data from 186 patients with chronic

> hepatitis C

> > > > treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. The model

> employed

> > > > ordinal regression with similarity least squares technology

to

> assign

> > > > the probability of a given outcome.

> > > >

> > > > Model variables included sex, age, prior treatment status,

HCV

> > > > genotype, baseline serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT)

level,

> > > > histological necro-inflammation and fibrosis scores, and

serum

> HCV

> > > > RNA levels at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks.

> > > >

> > > > Results

> > > >

> > > > A multivariate model demonstrated that the model

demonstrated

> high

> > > > performance values at all time points.

> > > >

> > > > At baseline, the model demonstrated a negative predictive

value

> > > > (NPV) of 91% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95%.

> > > >

> > > > At Week 4, these values improved to 97% and 100%,

respectively,

> with

> > > > 95% sensitivity, 89% specificity, and 93% accuracy.

> > > >

> > > > At Week 4, the model was equally efficient for treatment-

naive

> and

> > > > previously treated patients.

> > > >

> > > > Internal validation demonstrated 90% PPV, 94% NPV, 95%

> sensitivity,

> > > > 88% specificity, and 92% accuracy.

> > > >

> > > > Conclusion

> > > >

> > > > The researchers concluded that, " A Week 4 stopping rule for

> patients

> > > > with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon with

> ribavirin

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[Guest guest]

hahaha, well I found that everything tasted weird on tx but I did manage to eat more eggs, cheese, tofu and chicken,, plus a good steak every week or so.. Those ppl are right, the appetite is usually not there on tx and part of the reason is that ppl go too long between meals and dont eat enough protein.. a lack of protein causes nausea as well,, I found that carbs such as potatoes, pasta and rice really didnt sit well with me. but I was able to eat small amounts of bread,, I usually had bread with peanut butter for the fat when I took my Riba,, actually you do need to take your Riba with some pro and fat,, the fat helps it to work better and the pro keeps ya from getting nauseated.,, I ONLY had ONE episode of nausea in the 54 weeks of tx that I did,, I'd say that was pretty darn good.. I did eat fresh fruit and lots of veggies both cooked and raw on tx,, but I ate everything in small amounts.. I hope you do well!!! Keep us posted jaxmarvindamartian05 <marvindamartian05@...> wrote: Jax, that is the best news I have heard today - I get to have steak once in a while!! Hope I have the appetite...most of the people at the meeting tonight said they had not appetite during tx...some of them lived on protein shakes and lost a lot of weight. As Ally said, they lost muscle mass too. One gal couldn't eat at all and ended up smoking pot so she would have an appetite. 4-Week Response to> > > Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts Outcome> > > >> > > > A substantial proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis C > virus> > > > (HCV) infection do not respond to interferon-based

therapy. By> > > > determining early in the course of treatment which individuals > are> > > > likely to achieve sustained virological response (SVR), > patients may> > > > be spared the side effects and expense of unnecessary additional> > > > treatment.> > > >> > > > Current models used to predict response to treatment with > pegylated> > > > interferon plus ribavirin are generally based on viral decline > during> > > > the first 12 weeks of therapy; however, some research indicates > that> > > > rapid virological response at Week 4 may also be used as > a "stopping> > > > rule."> > > >> > > > As reported in the October 2006 Journal of Viral Hepatitis, > French> > > > researchers developed a

multivariate model to predict SVR or > non-> > > > response at baseline and during the first 12 weeks of therapy. > They> > > > based the model on data from 186 patients with chronic > hepatitis C> > > > treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. The model > employed> > > > ordinal regression with similarity least squares technology to > assign> > > > the probability of a given outcome.> > > >> > > > Model variables included sex, age, prior treatment status, HCV> > > > genotype, baseline serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level,> > > > histological necro-inflammation and fibrosis scores, and serum > HCV> > > > RNA levels at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks.> > > >> > > > Results> > > >>

> > > A multivariate model demonstrated that the model demonstrated > high> > > > performance values at all time points.> > > >> > > > At baseline, the model demonstrated a negative predictive value> > > > (NPV) of 91% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95%.> > > >> > > > At Week 4, these values improved to 97% and 100%, respectively, > with> > > > 95% sensitivity, 89% specificity, and 93% accuracy.> > > >> > > > At Week 4, the model was equally efficient for treatment-naive > and> > > > previously treated patients.> > > >> > > > Internal validation demonstrated 90% PPV, 94% NPV, 95% > sensitivity,> > > > 88% specificity, and 92% accuracy.> > > >> > > > Conclusion> >

> >> > > > The researchers concluded that, "A Week 4 stopping rule for > patients> > > > with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon with > ribavirin> > > > might be proposed by using the model developed in our study."> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > > Jackie> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > > Jackie> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >>

> > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > > Jackie> > > >> > >> > > > > >> >> > > > > > > Jackie>Jackie

[Guest guest]

IM SO glad you had a good time and met lots of good ppl who are proving that it IS possible to live with this disease! The person who had the 2 tp,, that wouldn't be Dr Darling would it? He is a dentist who has had 2 tp and is doing really well. Yep, get your ducks lined up,, make sure you have everything taken care of as well as you can before you start tx,, then you can concentrate only on tx and getting through it!!! GOOD JOB! keep us posted! jaxmarvindamartian05 <marvindamartian05@...> wrote: Oh my gosh, the support group meeting was great. I cannot begin to describe some of the awesome people I met, and I am so glad that this group exists. One of the guys has had 2 liver transplants already, looks great and is an inspiration. A couple of the people are in the midst of tx, some are done and cleared, some not. They had a psychologist there as the speaker, and he gave a very helpful talk about depression and other emotional aspects of tx and just living with hep c in general. One of the people who went through tx said that one should get their "ducks in a row" before starting tx, and it was funny because I had been making that plan in my head for the past few days. It was so helpful, inspirational and enlightening, and I have a better (realistic) idea of what to expect for the year ahead. 4-Week Response to> > > Anti-HCV Treatment Predicts Outcome> > > >> > > > A substantial proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis C > virus> > > > (HCV) infection do not respond to interferon-based

therapy. By> > > > determining early in the course of treatment which individuals > are> > > > likely to achieve sustained virological response (SVR), > patients may> > > > be spared the side effects and expense of unnecessary additional> > > > treatment.> > > >> > > > Current models used to predict response to treatment with > pegylated> > > > interferon plus ribavirin are generally based on viral decline > during> > > > the first 12 weeks of therapy; however, some research indicates > that> > > > rapid virological response at Week 4 may also be used as > a "stopping> > > > rule."> > > >> > > > As reported in the October 2006 Journal of Viral Hepatitis, > French> > > > researchers developed a

multivariate model to predict SVR or > non-> > > > response at baseline and during the first 12 weeks of therapy. > They> > > > based the model on data from 186 patients with chronic > hepatitis C> > > > treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. The model > employed> > > > ordinal regression with similarity least squares technology to > assign> > > > the probability of a given outcome.> > > >> > > > Model variables included sex, age, prior treatment status, HCV> > > > genotype, baseline serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level,> > > > histological necro-inflammation and fibrosis scores, and serum > HCV> > > > RNA levels at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks.> > > >> > > > Results> > > >>

> > > A multivariate model demonstrated that the model demonstrated > high> > > > performance values at all time points.> > > >> > > > At baseline, the model demonstrated a negative predictive value> > > > (NPV) of 91% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 95%.> > > >> > > > At Week 4, these values improved to 97% and 100%, respectively, > with> > > > 95% sensitivity, 89% specificity, and 93% accuracy.> > > >> > > > At Week 4, the model was equally efficient for treatment-naive > and> > > > previously treated patients.> > > >> > > > Internal validation demonstrated 90% PPV, 94% NPV, 95% > sensitivity,> > > > 88% specificity, and 92% accuracy.> > > >> > > > Conclusion> >

> >> > > > The researchers concluded that, "A Week 4 stopping rule for > patients> > > > with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon with > ribavirin> > > > might be proposed by using the model developed in our study."> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > > Jackie> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > > Jackie> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >>

> > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > > > Jackie> > > >> > >> > > > > >> >> > > > > > > Jackie>Jackie