title: Telaprevir experience from Turkey.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In patients with chronic hepatitis C, triple drug regimens containing a protease inhibitor, peginterferon and ribavirin were found to significantly increase sustained virologic response rates compared to dual drug regimen containing pegylated interferon and ribavirin, especially in genotype 1.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In Turkey, telaprevir has been used since March 2013. We aimed to evaluate results of patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with telaprevir, peginterferon and ribavirin.
  
  
  METHODS
  We evaluated 28 patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C infection treated with triple drug regimen containing telaprevir, in three medical centers in Turkey, retrospectively. Demographic data of patients, treatment indications, adverse events and outcomes were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 28 patients intended to treat, 25 (89.2%) patients completed the treatment. Overall, 21 (82.1%) patients had relapse and five patients were non-responder. Regarding the treatment outcomes of Telaprevir based regimen, 20/26 patients achieved sustained virological response. Pruritus, rash, dysgeusia, anorectal discomfort and anemia were main adverse effects. Blood transfusion and ribavirin dose reduction required for 7 and 11 patients, respectively. Due to several adverse effects, 10 patients were hospitalized.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although more frequent and severe adverse effects, telaprevir has been promising for patients with treatment-experienced hepatitis C.
authors: Department of Infectious Diseases, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey.
authors: Suheyla
authors: S
authors: Komur
authors: Department of Infectious Diseases, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey.
authors: Behice
authors: B
authors: Kurtaran
authors: Department of Infectious Diseases, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey.
authors: Ayse Seza
authors: AS
authors: Inal
authors: Department of Infectious Diseases, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey.
authors: Husnu
authors: H
authors: Pullukcu
authors: Department of Infectious Diseases, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey.
authors: Aslihan
authors: A
authors: Ulu
authors: Numune Training and Research Hospital, Adana, Turkey.
authors: Ferit
authors: F
authors: Kuscu
authors: Department of Infectious Diseases, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey.
authors: Tansu
authors: T
authors: Yamazhan
authors: Department of Infectious Diseases, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey.
authors: Yesim
authors: Y
authors: Tasova
authors: Department of Infectious Diseases, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey.
authors: Hasan Salih Zeki
authors: HS
authors: Aksu
keywords: Genotype 1; Hepatitis C; Telaprevir; Turkey