The effects of interferon alpha-2b in combination with ribavirin on health related quality of life and work productivity.
OBJECTIVE
Interferon plus ribavirin is the most effective therapy for chronic hepatitis C. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chronic hepatitis C and therapy on health-related quality of life and work functioning.


METHODS
Nine hundred and twelve patients with hepatitis C infection were randomized in a controlled trial of Interferon alpha 2b 3 MU tiw for 24 or 48 weeks plus ribavirin 1000-1200 mg or placebo. Questionnaire-based assessments of health-related quality of life and work functioning were performed before, during, and after treatment. Outcome measures included the SF-36 Health Survey and additional generic and specific scales. Work functioning was assessed as missed days, shorter hours or less productivity at work.


RESULTS
Pre-treatment, patients had significant impairment in five of eight SF-36 concepts compared to matched population norms. Sustained responders had a return to normal for four of these five concepts. Quality of life did not improve in non-responders. Improvements in histology, viral load or ALT values predicted improvements in quality of life. Sustained responders also had improvements in work functioning and productivity.


CONCLUSIONS
Hepatitis C patients had impaired quality of life. After combination therapy, sustained virologic responders achieved benefits in their quality of life and work functioning.
McHutchison
J G
JG
Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. jmchutchison@scripsclinic.com
Ware
J E
JE
Bayliss
M S
MS
Pianko
S
S
Albrecht
J K
JK
Cort
S
S
Yang
I
I
Neary
M P
MP
D000328:Adult; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012008:Recurrence; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012254:Ribavirin; D000410:Alanine Transaminase