Publication
Peginterferon-alpha-2a (40KD) and ribavirin for 16 or 24 weeks in patients with genotype 2 or 3 chronic hepatitis C
Journal Paper/Review - Aug 1, 2005
von Wagner Michael, Herrmann Eva, Häussinger Dieter, Bernsmeier Christine, Bergk Alexandra, Heintges Tobias, Rasenack Jens, Hinrichsen Holger, Berg Thomas, Huber Miriam, Zeuzem Stefan
Units
PubMed
Doi
Citation
Type
Journal
Publication Date
Issn Print
Pages
Brief description/objective
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Standard therapy of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected with HCV genotype-2 or -3 is the combination of pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin for 24 weeks. Whether shorter treatment durations are possible for these patients without compromising sustained virologic response rates is unknown.
METHODS
Patients chronically infected with HCV-2 (n = 39), HCV-2/3 (n = 1), or HCV-3 (n = 113) were treated with peginterferon-alpha-2a (180 microg/wk) plus ribavirin 800-1200 mg/day. HCV RNA was quantitatively assessed after 4 weeks. Patients with a rapid virologic response (HCV RNA below 600 IU/mL) were randomized for a total treatment duration of 16 (group A) or 24 weeks (group B). All patients with HCV RNA > or =600 IU/mL at week 4 (group C) were treated for 24 weeks. End-of-treatment and sustained virologic response were assessed by qualitative RT-PCR (sensitivity 50 IU/mL).
RESULTS
Only 11 of 153 patients (7%) were allocated to group C. End-of-treatment and sustained virologic response rates were 94% and 82%, (group A), 85% and 80% (group B), and 73% and 36% (group C), respectively. In patients infected with genotype HCV-3 and high viral load (>800,000 IU/mL), a significant lower sustained virologic response rate was found than in patients infected with HCV-3 and a viral load lower or equal to 800,000 IU/mL (59% vs 85%, respectively; P = .003).
CONCLUSIONS
In HCV-2 and -3 (low viral load)-infected patients who have a rapid virologic response, treatment for 16 weeks with peginterferon-alpha-2a and ribavirin is sufficient. In patients infected by HCV-3 (high viral load), longer treatment may be necessary.