Re: A Follow-up Week 12 Viral Count Is Useful in Predicting SVR and Is 100% Accurate

[Guest guest]

After reading this, it seems to me that you could use a 12 week test

to determine SVR in people without cirrhosis.

>

> A Follow-up Week 12 Viral Count Is Useful in Predicting SVR and Is

> 100% Accurate in Patients without Cirrhosis

>

> The primary goal of HCV treatment is a sustained virologic response

> (SVR) determined by a negative HCV RNA at 24 weeks after

> discontinuation of therapy. One report on early relapse rate in

> patients treated with standard interferon (IFN) or pegylated

> interferon (Peg IFN) monotherapy noted only 2% of patients became

HCV

> RNA positive between 12 and 24 weeks after discontinuation of

> therapy.

>

> No data have been reported on early relapse rates following

response

> to Peg IFN plus ribavirin therapy. Therefore this study was

designed

> to assess the predictive value of the 12 week follow-up viral load

in

> determining SVR.

>

>

> This was a cohort study of HCV patients treated from 2003 to

present.

> All patients who were HCV RNA undetected (<29 IU/mL) at the end of

> treatment with viral counts done at follow-up week 12 and 24 were

> included.

>

>

> Results

>

> 154 patients qualified for inclusion (89 men, 65 women). Age range

> was 18-79 (mean 48.7 +/- 8.8). Race distribution was White 119

> (77%), Black 12 (8%), Hispanic 16 (10%), and other 7 (5%).

>

>

> Fibrosis was stage 0-1 in 23, stage 2 in 38, stage 3 in 35, and

stage

> 4 in 44 patients.

>

>

> Genotype distribution was 87 (56%) with 1, 43 (28%) with 2, 18

(12%)

> with 3, 4 (3%) with other.

>

>

> Duration of treatment in genotype 1 was 44-72 weeks (mean 49.1 +/-

> 4.9) and genotype 2/3 was 12-60 weeks (mean 27.1 +/- 11.6).

>

>

> This was the first treatment in 114 (74%) patients, 16 (10%) were

> relapser and 22 (14%) were nonresponders.

>

>

> Treatment was with Peg IFN alfa-2a (Pegasys) in 58 (38%), Peg IFN

> alfa-2b (PegIntron) in 70 (45%), and CIFN (Infergen) in 26 (17%).

>

>

> In predicting SVR (Table 1), the follow-up week 12 viral counts had

a

> sensitivity of 99%, specificity of 94%, PPV of 97%, and NPV of 98%.

>

>

> Follow-up 12 week viral count did not predict the SVR status in 4

> patients all of whom had cirrhosis and were in their first

treatment

> course.

>

>

> One patient positive at follow-up week 12 (HCV RNA 9000 IU/mL)

later

> achieved an SVR.

> Table 1: Post Treatment HCV Viral Counts in Patients with EOT

> Response

>

>

>

> SVR

> Total

>

> Yes

> No

>

> 12 Week Follow-up HCV RNA

> Negative

> 99

> 3

> 102

>

> Positive

> 1

> 51

> 52

>

> Total

> 100

> 54

> 154

>

>

>

>

> The authors conclude, " A follow-up week 12 viral count is useful in

> predicting attainment of SVR and is 100% accurate in patients

without

> cirrhosis. In this sample, 9% of patients with cirrhosis were

> misclassified by the follow-up week 12 viral count. "

>

> In addition, they write, " Use of an earlier viral count in patients

> without cirrhosis would allow earlier retreatment for those with

> relapse and allow earlier confirmation of successful treatment. "

>

>

> 05/25/07

>

[Guest guest]

That is why they do these studies, to get results that can benefit the patient . It will take the medical community a short time but they all will change to 12 wk viral load tests after results like these . The biggest hindrance would be the insurance companies

Re: A Follow-up Week 12 Viral Count Is Useful in Predicting SVR and Is 100% Accurate

After reading this, it seems to me that you could use a 12 week test to determine SVR in people without cirrhosis. >> A Follow-up Week 12 Viral Count Is Useful in Predicting SVR and Is > 100% Accurate in Patients without Cirrhosis > > The primary goal of HCV treatment is a sustained virologic response > (SVR) determined by a negative HCV RNA at 24 weeks after > discontinuation of therapy. One report on early relapse rate in > patients treated with standard interferon (IFN) or pegylated > interferon (Peg IFN) monotherapy noted only 2% of patients became HCV > RNA positive between 12 and 24 weeks after discontinuation of > therapy. > > No data have been reported on early relapse rates following response > to Peg IFN plus ribavirin therapy. Therefore this study was designed > to assess the predictive value of the 12 week follow-up viral load in > determining SVR. > > > This was a cohort study of HCV patients treated from 2003 to present. > All patients who were HCV RNA undetected (<29 IU/mL) at the end of > treatment with viral counts done at follow-up week 12 and 24 were > included. > > > Results> > 154 patients qualified for inclusion (89 men, 65 women). Age range > was 18-79 (mean 48.7 +/- 8.8). Race distribution was White 119 > (77%), Black 12 (8%), Hispanic 16 (10%), and other 7 (5%). > > > Fibrosis was stage 0-1 in 23, stage 2 in 38, stage 3 in 35, and stage > 4 in 44 patients. > > > Genotype distribution was 87 (56%) with 1, 43 (28%) with 2, 18 (12%) > with 3, 4 (3%) with other. > > > Duration of treatment in genotype 1 was 44-72 weeks (mean 49.1 +/-> 4.9) and genotype 2/3 was 12-60 weeks (mean 27.1 +/- 11.6). > > > This was the first treatment in 114 (74%) patients, 16 (10%) were > relapser and 22 (14%) were nonresponders. > > > Treatment was with Peg IFN alfa-2a (Pegasys) in 58 (38%), Peg IFN > alfa-2b (PegIntron) in 70 (45%), and CIFN (Infergen) in 26 (17%). > > > In predicting SVR (Table 1), the follow-up week 12 viral counts had a > sensitivity of 99%, specificity of 94%, PPV of 97%, and NPV of 98%. > > > Follow-up 12 week viral count did not predict the SVR status in 4 > patients all of whom had cirrhosis and were in their first treatment > course.> > > One patient positive at follow-up week 12 (HCV RNA 9000 IU/mL) later > achieved an SVR. > Table 1: Post Treatment HCV Viral Counts in Patients with EOT > Response > > > > SVR > Total > > Yes > No > > 12 Week Follow-up HCV RNA > Negative > 99> 3> 102 > > Positive > 1 > 51 > 52 > > Total > 100> 54> 154 > > > > > The authors conclude, "A follow-up week 12 viral count is useful in > predicting attainment of SVR and is 100% accurate in patients without > cirrhosis. In this sample, 9% of patients with cirrhosis were > misclassified by the follow-up week 12 viral count."> > In addition, they write, "Use of an earlier viral count in patients > without cirrhosis would allow earlier retreatment for those with > relapse and allow earlier confirmation of successful treatment."> > > 05/25/07>

[Guest guest]

wonder what they would say about someone like me who was stage 3-4 with nodules wrapped in bands of fibrous tissue consistant with cirrhosis but still have many portal tracts totally intact etc, I was undetectible at week 12 and still at 3 years post tx? Still gotta go and get my 4th year pcr done.. I have the lab slip sitting on my dresser,, lolelizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1@...> wrote: A Follow-up Week 12 Viral Count Is Useful in Predicting SVR and Is 100% Accurate in Patients without Cirrhosis The

primary goal of HCV treatment is a sustained virologic response (SVR) determined by a negative HCV RNA at 24 weeks after discontinuation of therapy. One report on early relapse rate in patients treated with standard interferon (IFN) or pegylated interferon (Peg IFN) monotherapy noted only 2% of patients became HCV RNA positive between 12 and 24 weeks after discontinuation of therapy. No data have been reported on early relapse rates following response to Peg IFN plus ribavirin therapy. Therefore this study was designed to assess the predictive value of the 12 week follow-up viral load in determining SVR. This was a cohort study of HCV patients treated from 2003 to present. All patients who were HCV RNA undetected (<29 IU/mL) at the end of treatment with viral counts done at follow-up week 12 and 24 were included. Results154 patients qualified for inclusion (89 men, 65 women). Age range

was 18-79 (mean 48.7 +/- 8.8). Race distribution was White 119 (77%), Black 12 (8%), Hispanic 16 (10%), and other 7 (5%). Fibrosis was stage 0-1 in 23, stage 2 in 38, stage 3 in 35, and stage 4 in 44 patients. Genotype distribution was 87 (56%) with 1, 43 (28%) with 2, 18 (12%) with 3, 4 (3%) with other. Duration of treatment in genotype 1 was 44-72 weeks (mean 49.1 +/- 4.9) and genotype 2/3 was 12-60 weeks (mean 27.1 +/- 11.6). This was the first treatment in 114 (74%) patients, 16 (10%) were relapser and 22 (14%) were nonresponders. Treatment was with Peg IFN alfa-2a (Pegasys) in 58 (38%), Peg IFN alfa-2b (PegIntron) in 70 (45%), and CIFN (Infergen) in 26 (17%). In predicting SVR (Table 1), the follow-up week 12 viral counts had a sensitivity of 99%, specificity of 94%, PPV of 97%, and NPV of 98%. Follow-up 12 week viral count did not predict the SVR status in 4 patients all of

whom had cirrhosis and were in their first treatment course.One patient positive at follow-up week 12 (HCV RNA 9000 IU/mL) later achieved an SVR. Table 1: Post Treatment HCV Viral Counts in Patients with EOT Response SVR Total Yes No 12 Week Follow-up HCV RNA Negative 993102 Positive 1 51 52 Total 10054154 The authors conclude, "A follow-up week 12 viral count is useful in predicting attainment of SVR and is 100% accurate in patients without cirrhosis. In this sample, 9% of patients with cirrhosis were misclassified by the follow-up week 12 viral count."In addition, they write, "Use of an earlier viral count in patients without cirrhosis would allow earlier retreatment for those with relapse and allow earlier confirmation of successful treatment."05/25/07Jackie

[Guest guest]

No time like the present gf , get er done . That way it's over and done with . I am starting to feel that fear of my upcoming biopsy . It's not the procedure but the results I dread most lol

Re: A Follow-up Week 12 Viral Count Is Useful in Predicting SVR and Is 100% Accurate

wonder what they would say about someone like me who was stage 3-4 with nodules wrapped in bands of fibrous tissue consistant with cirrhosis but still have many portal tracts totally intact etc, I was undetectible at week 12 and still at 3 years post tx? Still gotta go and get my 4th year pcr done.. I have the lab slip sitting on my dresser,, lolelizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote:

A Follow-up Week 12 Viral Count Is Useful in Predicting SVR and Is 100% Accurate in Patients without Cirrhosis The primary goal of HCV treatment is a sustained virologic response (SVR) determined by a negative HCV RNA at 24 weeks after discontinuation of therapy. One report on early relapse rate in patients treated with standard interferon (IFN) or pegylated interferon (Peg IFN) monotherapy noted only 2% of patients became HCV RNA positive between 12 and 24 weeks after discontinuation of therapy. No data have been reported on early relapse rates following response to Peg IFN plus ribavirin therapy. Therefore this study was designed to assess the predictive value of the 12 week follow-up viral load in determining SVR. This was a cohort study of HCV patients treated from 2003 to present. All patients who were HCV RNA undetected (<29 IU/mL) at the end of treatment with viral counts done at follow-up week 12 and 24 were included. Results154 patients qualified for inclusion (89 men, 65 women). Age range was 18-79 (mean 48.7 +/- 8.8). Race distribution was White 119 (77%), Black 12 (8%), Hispanic 16 (10%), and other 7 (5%). Fibrosis was stage 0-1 in 23, stage 2 in 38, stage 3 in 35, and stage 4 in 44 patients. Genotype distribution was 87 (56%) with 1, 43 (28%) with 2, 18 (12%) with 3, 4 (3%) with other. Duration of treatment in genotype 1 was 44-72 weeks (mean 49.1 +/- 4.9) and genotype 2/3 was 12-60 weeks (mean 27.1 +/- 11.6). This was the first treatment in 114 (74%) patients, 16 (10%) were relapser and 22 (14%) were nonresponders. Treatment was with Peg IFN alfa-2a (Pegasys) in 58 (38%), Peg IFN alfa-2b (PegIntron) in 70 (45%), and CIFN (Infergen) in 26 (17%). In predicting SVR (Table 1), the follow-up week 12 viral counts had a sensitivity of 99%, specificity of 94%, PPV of 97%, and NPV of 98%. Follow-up 12 week viral count did not predict the SVR status in 4 patients all of whom had cirrhosis and were in their first treatment course.One patient positive at follow-up week 12 (HCV RNA 9000 IU/mL) later achieved an SVR. Table 1: Post Treatment HCV Viral Counts in Patients with EOT Response SVR Total Yes No 12 Week Follow-up HCV RNA Negative 993102 Positive 1 51 52 Total 10054154 The authors conclude, "A follow-up week 12 viral count is useful in predicting attainment of SVR and is 100% accurate in patients without cirrhosis. In this sample, 9% of patients with cirrhosis were misclassified by the follow-up week 12 viral count."In addition, they write, "Use of an earlier viral count in patients without cirrhosis would allow earlier retreatment for those with relapse and allow earlier confirmation of successful treatment."05/25/07Jackie

[Guest guest]

No time like the present gf , get er done . That way it's over and done with . I am starting to feel that fear of my upcoming biopsy . It's not the procedure but the results I dread most lol

Re: A Follow-up Week 12 Viral Count Is Useful in Predicting SVR and Is 100% Accurate

wonder what they would say about someone like me who was stage 3-4 with nodules wrapped in bands of fibrous tissue consistant with cirrhosis but still have many portal tracts totally intact etc, I was undetectible at week 12 and still at 3 years post tx? Still gotta go and get my 4th year pcr done.. I have the lab slip sitting on my dresser,, lolelizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote:

A Follow-up Week 12 Viral Count Is Useful in Predicting SVR and Is 100% Accurate in Patients without Cirrhosis The primary goal of HCV treatment is a sustained virologic response (SVR) determined by a negative HCV RNA at 24 weeks after discontinuation of therapy. One report on early relapse rate in patients treated with standard interferon (IFN) or pegylated interferon (Peg IFN) monotherapy noted only 2% of patients became HCV RNA positive between 12 and 24 weeks after discontinuation of therapy. No data have been reported on early relapse rates following response to Peg IFN plus ribavirin therapy. Therefore this study was designed to assess the predictive value of the 12 week follow-up viral load in determining SVR. This was a cohort study of HCV patients treated from 2003 to present. All patients who were HCV RNA undetected (<29 IU/mL) at the end of treatment with viral counts done at follow-up week 12 and 24 were included. Results154 patients qualified for inclusion (89 men, 65 women). Age range was 18-79 (mean 48.7 +/- 8.8). Race distribution was White 119 (77%), Black 12 (8%), Hispanic 16 (10%), and other 7 (5%). Fibrosis was stage 0-1 in 23, stage 2 in 38, stage 3 in 35, and stage 4 in 44 patients. Genotype distribution was 87 (56%) with 1, 43 (28%) with 2, 18 (12%) with 3, 4 (3%) with other. Duration of treatment in genotype 1 was 44-72 weeks (mean 49.1 +/- 4.9) and genotype 2/3 was 12-60 weeks (mean 27.1 +/- 11.6). This was the first treatment in 114 (74%) patients, 16 (10%) were relapser and 22 (14%) were nonresponders. Treatment was with Peg IFN alfa-2a (Pegasys) in 58 (38%), Peg IFN alfa-2b (PegIntron) in 70 (45%), and CIFN (Infergen) in 26 (17%). In predicting SVR (Table 1), the follow-up week 12 viral counts had a sensitivity of 99%, specificity of 94%, PPV of 97%, and NPV of 98%. Follow-up 12 week viral count did not predict the SVR status in 4 patients all of whom had cirrhosis and were in their first treatment course.One patient positive at follow-up week 12 (HCV RNA 9000 IU/mL) later achieved an SVR. Table 1: Post Treatment HCV Viral Counts in Patients with EOT Response SVR Total Yes No 12 Week Follow-up HCV RNA Negative 993102 Positive 1 51 52 Total 10054154 The authors conclude, "A follow-up week 12 viral count is useful in predicting attainment of SVR and is 100% accurate in patients without cirrhosis. In this sample, 9% of patients with cirrhosis were misclassified by the follow-up week 12 viral count."In addition, they write, "Use of an earlier viral count in patients without cirrhosis would allow earlier retreatment for those with relapse and allow earlier confirmation of successful treatment."05/25/07Jackie

[Guest guest]

I know Liz,, I would feel the same way if I were you! I have just been busy with the parents over the past couple of weeks,, but Im gonna try for next week... elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1@...> wrote: No time like the present gf , get er done . That way it's over and done with . I am starting to feel that fear of my upcoming biopsy . It's not the procedure but the results I dread most lol Re: A Follow-up Week 12 Viral Count Is Useful in Predicting SVR and Is 100% Accurate wonder what they would say about someone like me who was stage 3-4 with nodules wrapped in bands of fibrous tissue consistant with cirrhosis but still have many portal tracts totally intact etc, I was undetectible at week 12 and still at 3 years post tx? Still gotta go and get my 4th year pcr done.. I

have the lab slip sitting on my dresser,, lolelizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote: A Follow-up Week 12 Viral Count Is Useful in Predicting SVR and Is 100% Accurate in Patients without Cirrhosis The primary goal of HCV treatment is a sustained virologic response (SVR) determined by a negative HCV RNA at 24 weeks after discontinuation of therapy. One report on early relapse rate in patients treated with standard interferon (IFN) or pegylated interferon (Peg IFN) monotherapy noted only 2% of patients became HCV RNA positive between 12 and 24 weeks after discontinuation of therapy. No data have been reported on early relapse rates following response to Peg IFN plus ribavirin therapy. Therefore this study was designed to assess the predictive value of the 12 week

follow-up viral load in determining SVR. This was a cohort study of HCV patients treated from 2003 to present. All patients who were HCV RNA undetected (<29 IU/mL) at the end of treatment with viral counts done at follow-up week 12 and 24 were included. Results154 patients qualified for inclusion (89 men, 65 women). Age range was 18-79 (mean 48.7 +/- 8.8). Race distribution was White 119 (77%), Black 12 (8%), Hispanic 16 (10%), and other 7 (5%). Fibrosis was stage 0-1 in 23, stage 2 in 38, stage 3 in 35, and stage 4 in 44 patients. Genotype distribution was 87 (56%) with 1, 43 (28%) with 2, 18 (12%) with 3, 4 (3%) with other. Duration of treatment in genotype 1 was 44-72 weeks (mean 49.1 +/- 4.9) and genotype 2/3 was 12-60 weeks (mean 27.1 +/- 11.6). This was the first treatment in 114 (74%) patients, 16 (10%) were relapser and 22 (14%) were nonresponders. Treatment

was with Peg IFN alfa-2a (Pegasys) in 58 (38%), Peg IFN alfa-2b (PegIntron) in 70 (45%), and CIFN (Infergen) in 26 (17%). In predicting SVR (Table 1), the follow-up week 12 viral counts had a sensitivity of 99%, specificity of 94%, PPV of 97%, and NPV of 98%. Follow-up 12 week viral count did not predict the SVR status in 4 patients all of whom had cirrhosis and were in their first treatment course.One patient positive at follow-up week 12 (HCV RNA 9000 IU/mL) later achieved an SVR. Table 1: Post Treatment HCV Viral Counts in Patients with EOT Response SVR Total Yes No 12 Week Follow-up HCV RNA Negative 993102 Positive 1 51 52 Total 10054154 The authors conclude, "A follow-up week 12 viral count is useful in predicting attainment of SVR and is 100% accurate in patients without cirrhosis. In this sample, 9% of

patients with cirrhosis were misclassified by the follow-up week 12 viral count."In addition, they write, "Use of an earlier viral count in patients without cirrhosis would allow earlier retreatment for those with relapse and allow earlier confirmation of successful treatment."05/25/07Jackie Jackie

[Guest guest]

How is your dad doing ?

Re: A Follow-up Week 12 Viral Count Is Useful in Predicting SVR and Is 100% Accurate

wonder what they would say about someone like me who was stage 3-4 with nodules wrapped in bands of fibrous tissue consistant with cirrhosis but still have many portal tracts totally intact etc, I was undetectible at week 12 and still at 3 years post tx? Still gotta go and get my 4th year pcr done.. I have the lab slip sitting on my dresser,, lolelizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote:

A Follow-up Week 12 Viral Count Is Useful in Predicting SVR and Is 100% Accurate in Patients without Cirrhosis The primary goal of HCV treatment is a sustained virologic response (SVR) determined by a negative HCV RNA at 24 weeks after discontinuation of therapy. One report on early relapse rate in patients treated with standard interferon (IFN) or pegylated interferon (Peg IFN) monotherapy noted only 2% of patients became HCV RNA positive between 12 and 24 weeks after discontinuation of therapy. No data have been reported on early relapse rates following response to Peg IFN plus ribavirin therapy. Therefore this study was designed to assess the predictive value of the 12 week follow-up viral load in determining SVR. This was a cohort study of HCV patients treated from 2003 to present. All patients who were HCV RNA undetected (<29 IU/mL) at the end of treatment with viral counts done at follow-up week 12 and 24 were included. Results154 patients qualified for inclusion (89 men, 65 women). Age range was 18-79 (mean 48.7 +/- 8.8). Race distribution was White 119 (77%), Black 12 (8%), Hispanic 16 (10%), and other 7 (5%). Fibrosis was stage 0-1 in 23, stage 2 in 38, stage 3 in 35, and stage 4 in 44 patients. Genotype distribution was 87 (56%) with 1, 43 (28%) with 2, 18 (12%) with 3, 4 (3%) with other. Duration of treatment in genotype 1 was 44-72 weeks (mean 49.1 +/- 4.9) and genotype 2/3 was 12-60 weeks (mean 27.1 +/- 11.6). This was the first treatment in 114 (74%) patients, 16 (10%) were relapser and 22 (14%) were nonresponders. Treatment was with Peg IFN alfa-2a (Pegasys) in 58 (38%), Peg IFN alfa-2b (PegIntron) in 70 (45%), and CIFN (Infergen) in 26 (17%). In predicting SVR (Table 1), the follow-up week 12 viral counts had a sensitivity of 99%, specificity of 94%, PPV of 97%, and NPV of 98%. Follow-up 12 week viral count did not predict the SVR status in 4 patients all of whom had cirrhosis and were in their first treatment course.One patient positive at follow-up week 12 (HCV RNA 9000 IU/mL) later achieved an SVR. Table 1: Post Treatment HCV Viral Counts in Patients with EOT Response SVR Total Yes No 12 Week Follow-up HCV RNA Negative 993102 Positive 1 51 52 Total 10054154 The authors conclude, "A follow-up week 12 viral count is useful in predicting attainment of SVR and is 100% accurate in patients without cirrhosis. In this sample, 9% of patients with cirrhosis were misclassified by the follow-up week 12 viral count."In addition, they write, "Use of an earlier viral count in patients without cirrhosis would allow earlier retreatment for those with relapse and allow earlier confirmation of successful treatment."05/25/07Jackie

Jackie

[Guest guest]

He is doing ok,, they moved the man who assaulted him at least to a different room...while they were working on finding an alzheimers unit for a permanent placement.. elizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1@...> wrote: How is your dad doing ? Re: A Follow-up Week 12 Viral Count Is Useful in Predicting SVR and Is 100% Accurate wonder what they

would say about someone like me who was stage 3-4 with nodules wrapped in bands of fibrous tissue consistant with cirrhosis but still have many portal tracts totally intact etc, I was undetectible at week 12 and still at 3 years post tx? Still gotta go and get my 4th year pcr done.. I have the lab slip sitting on my dresser,, lolelizabethnv1 <elizabethnv1earthlink (DOT) net> wrote: A Follow-up Week 12 Viral Count Is Useful in Predicting SVR and Is 100% Accurate in Patients without Cirrhosis The primary goal of HCV treatment is a sustained virologic response (SVR) determined by a negative HCV RNA at 24 weeks after discontinuation of therapy. One report on early relapse rate in patients treated with standard interferon (IFN) or pegylated interferon (Peg IFN) monotherapy noted only 2% of

patients became HCV RNA positive between 12 and 24 weeks after discontinuation of therapy. No data have been reported on early relapse rates following response to Peg IFN plus ribavirin therapy. Therefore this study was designed to assess the predictive value of the 12 week follow-up viral load in determining SVR. This was a cohort study of HCV patients treated from 2003 to present. All patients who were HCV RNA undetected (<29 IU/mL) at the end of treatment with viral counts done at follow-up week 12 and 24 were included. Results154 patients qualified for inclusion (89 men, 65 women). Age range was 18-79 (mean 48.7 +/- 8.8). Race distribution was White 119 (77%), Black 12 (8%), Hispanic 16 (10%), and other 7 (5%). Fibrosis was stage 0-1 in 23, stage 2 in 38, stage 3 in 35, and stage 4 in 44 patients. Genotype distribution was 87 (56%) with 1, 43 (28%) with 2, 18 (12%) with

3, 4 (3%) with other. Duration of treatment in genotype 1 was 44-72 weeks (mean 49.1 +/- 4.9) and genotype 2/3 was 12-60 weeks (mean 27.1 +/- 11.6). This was the first treatment in 114 (74%) patients, 16 (10%) were relapser and 22 (14%) were nonresponders. Treatment was with Peg IFN alfa-2a (Pegasys) in 58 (38%), Peg IFN alfa-2b (PegIntron) in 70 (45%), and CIFN (Infergen) in 26 (17%). In predicting SVR (Table 1), the follow-up week 12 viral counts had a sensitivity of 99%, specificity of 94%, PPV of 97%, and NPV of 98%. Follow-up 12 week viral count did not predict the SVR status in 4 patients all of whom had cirrhosis and were in their first treatment course.One patient positive at follow-up week 12 (HCV RNA 9000 IU/mL) later achieved an SVR. Table 1: Post Treatment HCV Viral Counts in Patients with EOT Response SVR Total Yes No 12 Week Follow-up HCV RNA

Negative 993102 Positive 1 51 52 Total 10054154 The authors conclude, "A follow-up week 12 viral count is useful in predicting attainment of SVR and is 100% accurate in patients without cirrhosis. In this sample, 9% of patients with cirrhosis were misclassified by the follow-up week 12 viral count."In addition, they write, "Use of an earlier viral count in patients without cirrhosis would allow earlier retreatment for those with relapse and allow earlier confirmation of successful treatment."05/25/07Jackie Jackie Jackie