Suppression of haematopoiesis during therapy of chronic hepatitis C with different interferon mono and combination therapy regimens

• DOI: 10.1136/gut.2004.057893
• Publication Date: 2005-06-11T09:59:25Z
• Authors: M Schmid
• Keywords: Combination therapy; Pegylated interferon; Thrombopoiesis; Hepatitis C

Treatment of chronic hepatitis C with interferon (IFN)-alpha and ribavirin has haematotoxic effects. We evaluated the effects four different IFN/IFN-ribavirin treatment regimens on haematopoiesis.Haematopoiesis was studied in 133 patients receiving IFN-alpha2b alone (group A) or combination B), pegylated IFN-alpha2a C), D) ribavirin.At week 4, haemoglobin levels were diminished all groups therapy. In monotherapy group, decreased slightly after eight weeks. groups, remained throughout patients, leucocytes (while blood cells) weeks low during treatment. Platelets (peripheral platelet count (PPC)) below baseline therapy group A, C, D whereas B PPC recovered early reached at 16 Concomitantly decreases PPC, erythropoietin increased thrombopoietin groups. Patients treated those who received differed only leucopoiesis, erythropoiesis thrombopoiesis comparable.IFN-alpha based therapies are associated a decrease three haematopoietic lineages, irrespective type used. The stronger suppressive effect leucopoiesis could be due to dose effect. Overall, concentrations endogenous growth factors but can partially alleviate haematotoxicity. Potential uses exogenous their impact virological response need explored.