| Theme | Interferon Therapy for Viral Hepatitis : an Update Reference | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Effectiveness of Pegylated Interferon plus Ribavirin Combination Therapy for Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C in Japan | |
| Publish Date | 2007/04 | |
| Author | Naoki Hiramatsu | Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author | Tsugiko Oze | Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author | Shinji Tamura | Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author | Norio Hayashi | Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] | Anti-viral therapy for chronic hepatitis C has dramatically advanced from interferon monotherapy to pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin combination therapy. In Japan, clinical trials have shown that PEG-IFN alfa-2 b and ribavirin combination therapy can achieve a sustained viral response in 48 - 58 % of patients with genotype 1 and high viral loads (48 weeks), and 87 % of those with genotype 1 and low viral loads or genotype 2 (24 weeks). The discontinuance rate for therapy due to adverse effects was 18 - 21 %. The progression of severe anemia is the major reason for discontinuance of PEG-IFN and ribavirin combination therapy. Attention should be paid to patients treated with combination therapy, especially elderly patients with chronic hepatitis C. | |