Treatment on Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C by Peginterferon and Ribavirin

Objective To evaluate the clinical effects of combination of peginterferon and ribavirin treatment on patients with chronic hepatitis C. Method 22 patients with chronic hepatitis C were treated with peginterferon (Pegasys) and ribavirin. Among them, 7 were non-responder hepatitis C patients or had relapsed after previous conventional interferon/ribavirin combination therapy. All patients received a combination of Pegasys (180 Ug/week, im) and ribavirin (900～1200 mg/d) for 48 weeks. Liver functions and the level of HCV-RNA were determined at the 12th, 24th and 48th weeks during the treatment. The early virological response (EVR) was defined as no detectable HCV RNA in serum by PCR method and with a normal liver function at the 12th week during the course of treatment. The end treatment virological response (ETVR) was defined as no detectable HCV RNA in serum by PCR method and with a normal liver function at the end of the treatment. Sustained virological response (SVR) was defined as no detectable HCV RNA in serum by PCR method and with a normal liver function at the 24th week post treatment withdrawal. The adverse effects of the treatment were evaluated at the same time. Result All patients completed the whole course of treatment. Following up studies were conducted at the 24th week after the treatment. The response rate was 63.6% (14/22). Among the 7 non-responder patients, the response rate was 42.8% (3/7). At the 12th week during the treatment, the EVR was 72.7% (17/22). Three patients had an increase in ALT during the 24 weeks of treatment, in which 1 patient was non-responder patient. The replase rate was 17.6%. HCV-RNA was found in the serum. The major adverse effects were the reduction of WBC, platelet and Hb. Other adverse effects were mild fever and muscle sore. 1 patient suffered from hyperthyroidism at the end of treatment. Sleep quality was affected in some patients. Conclusion Combination of peginterferon and ribavirin may be used for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C. The treatment is also well tolerated.