[Long-term viral response to interferon alpha 2b plus ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C patients during standard...

The aim of study was to evaluate the long-term effect of combination treatment with interferon alpha 2b and ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C during standard therapy.

210 chronic HCV infected patients (M 134, F 76, mean age 43 +/- 12,3) were treated with interferon alpha 2b TIW and ribavirin (1,0--1,2 g/d) for 48 weeks. None of the patients was infected with HBV or HIV.

HCV infection was confirmed with presence of HCV-RNA in blood serum. HCV-RNA was evaluated before, after 24 and 48 weeks of therapy. SVR was checked 24 weeks after discontinuation of therapy. LTR durability of HCV-RNA negativity was observed with a follow-up > 12 months after cessation of treatment

EVR, ETR and SVR were observed respectively in 56,2%, 40,5% and 37% of patients. Median follow-up was 21,9 months (range 6--63 months after SVR). Recurrence of HCV infection was not observed in any case of SVR patients, who completed follow-up.

EVR and SVR was observed in 56,2% and 37%. EVR, ETR and SVR were higher in treated woman than in men. LTR was achieved in all patients with SVR who were checked in prolonged time.