Efficacy of low dose peginterferon alpha-2b with ribavirin on chronic hepatitis C.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of peginterferon alpha 2b at doses of 50 microg weekly and 80 microg weekly (based on body weight) plus ribavirin in HCV genotype 2 and genotype 3 chronic hepatitis C patients.


METHODS
During the study period of Jan 2002 to Dec 2003, all patients diagnosed as chronic hepatitis C or HCV related compensated cirrhosis were treated with peginterferon alpha 2b 50 microg S/C weekly (body weight < 60 kg) or 80 microg S/C weekly (body weight > 60 kg) plus ribavirin 800 mg/d for 24 wk.


RESULTS
Overall 28 patients, 14 patients in each group (based on body weight) were treated during the period. Out of 28 patients, 75% were genotype 3, 18% were genotype 2 and 7% were genotype 1. The mean dose of peginterferon alpha 2b was 0.91 microg/kg in group 1 and 1.23 microg/kg in group 2 respectively. The end of treatment and sustained virologic response rates were 82% and 78% respectively. Serious adverse effects were seen in 3.5% patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Low dose peginterferon alpha 2b in combination with ribavirin for 24 wk is effective in HCV genotype 2 and 3 chronic hepatitis C patients.
Gupta
Rajesh
R
Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Somajiguda 63661, Hyderabad, India.
Ramakrishna
C H
CH
Lakhtakia
Sandeep
S
Tandan
Manu
M
Banerjee
Rupa
R
Reddy
D Nageshwar
DN
D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D012254:Ribavirin; C417083:peginterferon alfa-2b