title: The effects of interferon alpha-2b in combination with ribavirin on health related quality of life and work productivity.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. jmchutchison@scripsclinic.com
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: McHutchison
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Ware
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Bayliss
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pianko
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Albrecht
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cort
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Neary
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012254:Ribavirin; D000410:Alanine Transaminase