[HCV RNA in PBMC as predictor of the response to antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis C].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the predictive value of HCV RNA in PBMC of patients with chronic hepatitis C to IFN treatment.


METHODS
The HCV RNAs in PBMC were detected at the end of treatment, and 24 week and 1 year follow up after end treatment, in 16 patients who acquired complete response to IFN in 12 weeks of 24 weeks therapy.


RESULTS
9 patients were HCV RNA positive in their PBMC at the end of treatment, the serum HCV RNA of 8 turned positive after 24 weeks and 1 year follow-up. In 7 patients with negative HCV RNA in PBMC, only two patients relapsed in serum HCV RNA after 1 year follow-up, and others remained viral response after 3.5 years.


CONCLUSIONS
HCV RNA in PBMC at the end of treatment was a predictor of the durable response to antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis C.
Xu
Dao-zhen
DZ
Beijing Ditan Hospital, Beijing 100011, China.
Li
Zheng-qin
ZQ
Xie
Yao
Y
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000821:virology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D012367:RNA, Viral; D011994:Recombinant Proteins