Related Experiment Videos
A randomized trial of consensus interferon in combination with ribavirin as initial treatment for chronic hepatitis C
Giovanna Fattovich1, Irene Zagni, Eliseo Minola
1Servizio Autonomo Clinicizzato di Gastroenterologia, Università di Verona, Piazzale La Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy. giovanna_fattovich@tin.it
Background/Aims:
The aim of the present, open-labeled, randomized study was to determine the efficacy and safety of different doses of consensus interferon plus ribavirin in the initial treatment of chronic hepatitis C.
Methods:
One hundred and one genotype 2/3 patients were randomized to receive 9 mcg (group A, n=48) or 18 mcg (group B, n=53) of consensus interferon thrice weekly plus ribavirin (1000/1200 mg/daily) for 24 weeks and 92 genotype 1 patients to receive 9 mcg (group C, n=47) or 18 mcg (group D, n=45) of consensus interferon plus ribavirin for 48 weeks.
Results:
In an intention-to-treat analysis, the sustained virologic response at 24-week follow-up was 69% and 66% for group A and B (P=0.77) and 40% and 36% for group C and D (P=0.63). The overall sustained response was 67% and 38% in patients with genotype 2/3 and 1, respectively. Among genotype 1 patients the sustained virologic response was 39% and 41% for high or low baseline viremia levels.
Conclusions:
Higher consensus interferon dose does not increase sustained virologic response. Naive genotype 1 patients may achieve significant response rate of approximately 40% if treated with 9 mcg of consensus interferon plus ribavirin for 48 weeks.
Related Concept Videos
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
Hepatitis
Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents