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A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
13:04

A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication

Published on: June 26, 2014

[Epidemic outbreak of acute hepatitis C--clinical course, histology and effectiveness of therapy]

Janusz Cianciara1, Joanna Jabłońska, Andrzej Horban

  • 1Klinika Hepatologii i Nabytych Niedoborów Immunologicznych Instytutu Chorób, Zakaźnych i Pasozytniczych AM w Warszawie. liver@zigzag.pl

Przeglad Epidemiologiczny
|September 30, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Early treatment of acute Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection with pegylated interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin can prevent chronic disease. This combination therapy is effective and safe, even in patients with coronary heart disease.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • An epidemic outbreak of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection occurred in patients receiving chelate therapy.
  • Fifteen patients with acute HCV infection were identified, all with elevated ALT and positive HCV RNA.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pegylated interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin in treating acute HCV infection.
  • To determine if early treatment can prevent progression to chronic hepatitis C.

Main Methods:

  • Ten patients with acute HCV were treated with pegylated interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin for 12 weeks.
  • No control group was used; five patients had contraindications to therapy.
  • Liver biopsies were performed on six patients to assess hepatitis activity.

Main Results:

  • Sustained viral response (SVR) and normalized ALT were observed in 60% (6/10) of treated patients.
  • Two untreated patients experienced spontaneous recovery.
  • Treatment side effects were minimal and did not lead to therapy interruption.

Conclusions:

  • Pegylated interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin administered 1-6 months after jaundice or elevated ALT can prevent chronic HCV infection.
  • The therapy is effective and safe in asymptomatic acute HCV infection, including in adult patients with stable coronary heart disease.

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