Duration of HCV infection as a predictor of nonresponse to interferon.
Duration of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a key feature in determining responsiveness to interferon (IFN). Studies assessing its value as a predictive factor in chronic HCV infection show that a long duration of infection reduces the likelihood of a sustained response to IFN (defined as ALT normalization and clearance of serum HCV-RNA). The effect of HCV infection duration is independent of the presence of cirrhosis and level of HCV viremia. Meta-analysis of IFN trials in acute HCV infection shows an obvious effect of the drug on long-term ALT normalization and HCV-RNA clearance. Treatment of HCV infection during the acute or early chronic phase could therefore maximize therapeutic effectiveness.
Craxì
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A
Cattedra di Medicina Interna, University of Palermo, Italy.
Di Marco
V
V
Cammà
C
C
Almasio
P
P
Magrin
S
S
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000628:therapy* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D013997:Time Factors; D017211:Treatment Failure
D016898:Interferon-alpha; D012367:RNA, Viral