| Theme | Cytokines and Dialysis Treatment | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Interferon therapy for HCV infected hemodialysis patients | |
| Publish Date | 2007/04 | |
| Author | Kan Kikuchi | Department of Blood Purification, Kidney Center, Tokyo Women's Medical University |
| Author | Takashi Akiba | Department of Blood Purification, Kidney Center, Tokyo Women's Medical University |
| [ Summary ] | The prevalence of HCV infection in hemodialysis patients is 12.1 %, which is a very high rate of infection. HCV infection is a significant complication related to the outcome for hemodialysis patients. Therefore, treatment of HCV infection is important for hemodialysis patients. The current treatment for HCV infection is based on a combination of ribavirin and peginterferon-α-2b or peginterferon-α-2a monotherapy to restore normal renal functions. However, ribavirin is considered to be contraindicated for hemodialysis patients because renal dysfunction patients have side effects due to lower ribavirin clearance. Despite some studies regarding the use of interferon and ribavirin in hemodialysis patients, the appropriate dosage of interferon and ribavirin has not been well established for hemodialysis patients. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy and tolerance of ribavirin and peginterferon α-2b or peginterferon α-2a monotherapy for HCV-infected hemodialysis patients. As a result, careful monitoring and adaptation of dosage was achieved with adequate clinical management. Interferon therapy for HCV-infected hemodialysis patients is recommended. |
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