Combination therapy of natural human interferon‐beta and ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C patients with injection drug use

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination therapy using natural human interferon‐β and ribavirin ( IFN ‐β/ RBV ) for chronic hepatitis C patients who were injection drug users ( IDU ) and resident in the A irin district of O saka, containing the biggest slums in J apan. Methods Twenty‐nine IDU with chronic hepatitis C received combination therapy of IFN ‐β/ RBV . The psychiatrist in charge evaluated the scores of the Z ung S elf‐rating D epression S cale ( SDS ), a self‐rating scale based on 20 questions. Univariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the factors that significantly contributed to complete treatment and a sustained virological response ( SVR ). Results Thirteen of the 29 patients achieved SVR according to the intention to treat analysis. All patients with a rapid virological response achieved SVR . No patient required a reduced dose of RBV because of a decrease in their hemoglobin level, or of IFN ‐β because of a low level of white blood cells and platelet count. Two patients had psychological side‐effects and stopped the therapy early in the treatment; one patient had depression and the other had anxious depression. Univariate logistic regression analyses indicated that the stage of fibrosis was the only factor that contributed to SVR , and that the SDS test and past drug abuse contributed to completion of the treatment. Conclusion IFN ‐β/ RBV combination therapy is useful for treating IDU .