Abstract | BACKGROUND: The health status of employees with chronic hepatitis C has major implications for organizations and labour market. OBJECTIVES: PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, placebo controlled, double blind clinical trial, 30 subjects (Group A) with chronic hepatitis, received Pegylated-Interferon-α2b (1.5 mg/kg per week) plus Ribavirin and placebo, while 32 subjects (Group B) received the same dosage of Pegylated-Interferon-α2b plus Ribavirin plus 2g Acetyl-L-Carnitine twice per day, for 12 months. Work productivity loss, impairment in daily activities, presenteeism, absenteeism, have been assessed using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire. We also evaluated severity of fatigue, mental fatigue and physical fatigue. RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: Office workers with chronic hepatitis C, treated with Pegylated-Interferon-α2b plus Ribavirin, had work performance loss. In subjects treated with Acetyl-L-Carnitine supplementation we observed increased daily activity and reduced presenteeism and fatigue. Acetyl-L-Carnitinegroup had a smaller reduction of productivity comparing to placebo group.
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Authors | Giulia Malaguarnera, Manuela Pennisi, Caterina Gagliano, Marco Vacante, Michele Malaguarnera, Salvatore Salomone, Filippo Drago, Gaetano Bertino, Filippo Caraci, Giuseppe Nunnari, Mariano Malaguarnera |
Journal | Hepatitis monthly
(Hepat Mon)
Vol. 14
Issue 5
Pg. e11608
(May 2014)
ISSN: 1735-143X [Print] Netherlands |
PMID | 24910702
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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