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Safety, tolerability, and efficacy of pegylated‐interferon alfa‐2a plus ribavirin in HCV‐related decompensated cirrhotics
Author(s) -
TEKIN F.,
GUNSAR F.,
KARASU Z.,
AKARCA U.,
ERSOZ G.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
alimentary pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.308
H-Index - 177
eISSN - 1365-2036
pISSN - 0269-2813
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2008.03680.x
Subject(s) - ribavirin , medicine , tolerability , gastroenterology , pegylated interferon , liver transplantation , hepatitis c , transplantation , hepatitis c virus , adverse effect , immunology , virus
Summary Background Pretransplantation clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐RNA reduces the risk of HCV recurrence after transplantation. Furthermore, a sustained virological response could reduce disease progression and slow clinical deterioration in nontransplanted patients. Aim To evaluate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of pegylated‐interferon (PEG‐IFN) alfa‐2a plus ribavirin therapy in HCV‐related decompensated cirrhotics. Methods Twenty HCV‐related decompensated cirrhotics (44–67 years, 12 males, six Child–Pugh score A, 14 Child–Pugh score B, all with genotype 1b) were enrolled into the study. Treatment with PEG‐IFN alfa‐2a (135 μg, once a week) plus ribavirin (1000–1200 mg/day) was commenced. A 48‐week treatment was planned in patients who had early virological response. Results Treatment was stopped in 8 (40%) patients. The remaining 12 (60%) patients completed 48 weeks of therapy; nine (45%) of them obtained end‐of‐therapy virological response and six (30%) of them obtained sustained virological response. Living donor liver transplantation was performed in three (15%) patients. Eight (40%) and six (30%) patients needed to reduce PEG‐IFN alfa‐2a and ribavirin dosages, respectively. No patient died during the follow‐up period. Conclusion PEG‐IFN alfa‐2a plus ribavirin therapy is safe, tolerable and efficacious in selected HCV‐related decompensated cirrhotics.