Duration of peginterferon therapy in acute hepatitis C: A randomized trial

• DOI: 10.1002/hep.21197
• Publication Date: 2006-04-20T18:51:48Z
• Authors: Sanaa M. Kamal; Khairy N. Moustafa; Jason Chen; Jutta Fehr; Azza Abdel Moneim; Khalifa E. Khalifa; Leila A. El Gohary; Amr H. Ramy; Mohamed A. Madwar; Jens Rasenack; Nezam H. Afdhal
• Keywords: Regimen; Clinical endpoint

Spontaneous resolution of acute hepatitis C virus infection cannot be predicted, and chronic evolution the disease occurs in a majority cases. To assess efficacy safety peginterferon alpha-2b administered for 8, 12, or 24 weeks patients with total 161 were identified infection. Of these, 30 refused treatment but retained study as nonrandomized comparison group. 131 who consented to treatment, 29 spontaneously resolved, leaving 102 randomly assigned (1.5 microg/kg) 8 (group A; n=34), 12 B; C; n=34). The primary end point was sustained virologic response. An intent-to-treat analysis used points. Sustained response achieved 23/34 (67.6%), 28/34 (82.4%), 31/34 (91.2%) groups A, B, C, respectively; all had undetectable RNA 48 after therapy. Treatment effective genotypes 2, 3, 4, whereas genotype 1 required 8- 12-week regimens associated fewer adverse events compared 24-week regimen. In conclusion, effectively induces high rates infection, thus preventing development C. Duration should further optimized based on rapid at week 4.