Treatment of chronic hepatitis C in a slow responder: a case for extended therapy.
BACKGROUND
A 49-year-old white man presented to his primary-care clinic with fatigue and poor concentration. He had an enlarged liver with a minimally tender edge and was subsequently referred to our liver clinic.


METHODS
Physical examination, laboratory investigations (including tests for HCV-RNA, antibodies to hepatitis B surface and core antigens, and HBV-DNA), and liver biopsy.


METHODS
The patient had chronic hepatitis C infection and was a slow responder to treatment.


RESULTS
Administration of pegylated interferon alpha2b plus ribavirin for 72 weeks. Escitalopram was given to manage his depression.
Gaglio
Paul J
PJ
Montefiore-Einstein Liver Center, Greene Medical Arts Pavilion, Bronx, NY 10467, USA. pgaglio@montefiore.org
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D024882:Drug Resistance, Viral; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D012254:Ribavirin; C417083:peginterferon alfa-2b