Hepatitis C virus infection in adult Chinese hemophilia patients negative for the human immunodeficiency virus: treatment results with interferon and ribavirin.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication in hemophilia patients depends on viral and patient factors. We report the treatment results with interferon 3 (5 megaunits, 3 times per week) and ribavirin (1 g daily) for 1 year in 17 Chinese patients who were negative for the human immunodeficiency virus. The HCV genotype consisted of a mixture of Western (genotypes 1, 2, and 3) and Chinese (genotypes 1 and 6) patterns. Quasi species were common (29%). Seven patients (41%) stopped treatment because of complications. Sustained HCV eradication was achieved until the end of treatment or for 24 months in 7 of 17 patients, respectively. A sustained response occurred in 50% of the patients completing treatment and occurred only in patients with genotypes 1, 3, and 6 but not with quasi species.
Au
Wing Y
WY
Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. auwing@hotmail.com
Lam
Clarence C K
CC
Liu
Chi-Leung
CL
Yuen
Man-Fung
MF
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002681:China; D005260:Female; D006678:HIV; D006679:HIV Seropositivity; D006467:Hemophilia A / Q000150:complications / Q000821:virology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D012254:Ribavirin