Pegylated interferon alpha-2a monotherapy in a peritoneal dialysis patient with chronic hepatitis C.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Although pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) is now the standard treatment for chronic hepatitis C, there are few reports targeting dialysis patients and treatment protocol for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has not been determined, particularly in patients on peritoneal dialysis.

CASE:

A 34-year-old woman with chronic hepatitis C started peritoneal dialysis because of progressive renal disease 2 years after peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for aplastic anaemia. The regimen was a single 6-h dwell of 2L glucose dialysate. Considering that her HCV genotype was 2a and that she was a candidate for cadaveric kidney transplant, we decided to treat her with PEG-IFN alpha-2a monotherapy 1 year after the beginning of peritoneal dialysis. We adopted a dose escalation strategy to minimize the total amount of PEG-IFN administration, thereby reducing the risk of adverse effects. Her HCV-RNA disappeared at the 17th week and sustained virus response was achieved thereafter. Only minor side effects were observed including flu-like symptoms and mild anaemia, and residual renal function remained stable during the treatment of 48 weeks (renal Kt/V; from 1.28 to 1.26).

CONCLUSION:

PEG-IFN monotherapy with dose modification may be a safe and effective treatment for HCV infection in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

• Authors: Imari Mimura, Yoshitaka Ishibashi, Ryosuke Tateishi, Shinya Kaname, Toshiro Fujita
• Journal: NDT plus (NDT Plus) Vol. 1 Issue 4 Pg. 233-5 (Aug 2008) ISSN: 1753-0784 [Print] England
• PMID: 25983890 (Publication Type: Case Reports)