| Theme | The Forefront of Hepatitis C Treatment | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Interferon Therapy to Hemodialyzed Patients Infected with Hepatitis C Virus | |
| Publish Date | 2012/10 | |
| Author | Mikio Zeniya | Gastroenterology, The Jikei University School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] | Infection rates for HCV infection in hemodialysis patients are nearly 10 %. It has been reported that HCV infection is one of the most important risk factors for the prognosis of hemodialysis patients. Eradication rates for HCV in hemodialysis patients are similar to those for non-hemodialysis patients receiving conventional IFN alone. However, in many cases, it is relatively difficult to continue IFN therapy because of adverse effects. Interferon β has less side effects, especially psychiatric side effects. There is an advantage to intravenous injections of this medication and it may become an important therapy component for HD patients. | |