Combination of interferon induction therapy and ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C.

Abstract

The initial clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) during interferon-alfa therapy is dose-dependent. Therefore, higher initial interferon doses (induction therapy) may improve treatment results. This concept was tested in a prospective, randomized controlled trial. Previously untreated patients with chronic hepatitis C were randomized to receive 3 different interferon doses during the first 14 weeks of therapy (Group A, n = 130: 10 MU IntronA [AESCA-Schering Plough, Traiskirchen, Austria]/day for 2 weeks, followed by 10 MU/2 days for 12 weeks; Group B, n = 124: 5 MU/day for 14 weeks; Group C, n = 119; 5 MU/2 days for 14 weeks) followed in all by 5 MU/2 days for 24 weeks. Throughout the whole study all patients received 1 to 1.2 g ribavirin/day. On treatment, no differences in viral clearance rates were observed. Sustained response rates were also not different among the groups (A: 48.5%, B and C: 41.3%, intent to treat). When data were analyzed according to genotypes, sustained response was almost twice as high in patients with genotype 1 receiving high-dose interferon induction therapy (A: 44.2%, B: 28.6%, C: 27%, P <.05). In contrast, results were not different in genotype 3a patients (A: 61.3%, B: 75.9%, C: 56.3%; P >.1). These data indicate that high-dose interferon induction therapy may improve the outcome of interferon/ribavirin combination therapy in genotype 1 patients.

• Authors: P Ferenci, H Brunner, K Nachbaur, C Datz, M Gschwantler, H Hofer, R Stauber, F Hackl, W Jessner, M Rosenbeiger, P Munda-Steindl, K Hegenbarth, A Gangl, W Vogel, Australian Hepatitis Study Group
• Journal: Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) (Hepatology) Vol. 34 Issue 5 Pg. 1006-11 (Nov 2001) ISSN: 0270-9139 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11679972 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Antiviral Agents
• Interferon Inducers
• Ribavirin

Topics

• Adult
• Antiviral Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Female
• Hepatitis C, Chronic (drug therapy, virology)
• Humans
• Interferon Inducers (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Patient Dropouts
• Prospective Studies
• Ribavirin (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome
• Viral Load