Interferon and ribavirin as frontline treatment for chronic hepatitis C infection in thalassaemia major.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common in transfusion-dependent thalassaemia. The clinical usefulness of 12-month treatment, using interferon alpha 3 MIU/m2 thrice weekly and oral ribavirin 16 mg/kg/d, was evaluated in 18 previously untreated thalassaemia patients. The median age at start of treatment was 16 years (range 7-29). Fourteen were infected with genotype 1b and 4 with genotype 6a. The sustained biochemical and virological response rates 6 months after stopping treatment were both 72.2%. Blood consumption was temporarily increased by 30% due to ribavirin-associated haemolysis. This study demonstrated a high, sustained response rate to combination treatment despite infection with genotype 1b.
Li
Chi Kong
CK
Departments of Paediatrics and Microbiology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. ckli@cuhk.edu.hk
Chan
Paul K S
PK
Ling
Siu Cheung
SC
Ha
Shau Yin
SY
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005838:Genotype; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D065227:Transfusion Reaction; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012254:Ribavirin