| 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 |
| 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. |