[Comparative efficacy of combined treatment with intron A and pegintron in combination with ribavirin of patients with chronic hepatitis C].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the efficacy of combined therapy of patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) including intron A, pegintron (preparations of alpha-2b interferon) and ribavirin, and evaluation of the above treatment side effects.


METHODS
47 CHC patients (38 males and 9 females) were divided into two groups. 22 patients of group 1 received intron A and ribavirin, 25 patients of group 2 were given pegintron and ribavirin for 6-12 months. The examination made before the treatment, during the treatment and after it included clinical, biochemical, virusological blood tests, tests for autoantibodies, thyroid hormones, ultrasound investigation.


RESULTS
The response in group 1 was 55%, in group 2--72.7%. In group 2, CNS and skin side effects occurred more frequently. After the treatment side effects regressed in 95.8% patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The pilot experience in Russia confirmed the findings of the foreign investigators on higher efficacy of combined treatment with pegylized interferons (pegintron) and ribavirin vs combination of intron A with ribavirin. It is shown that side effects of the above treatment can be corrected in outpatient medication.
Gromova
N I
NI
Bogomolov
B P
BP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D012254:Ribavirin; C417083:peginterferon alfa-2b