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World J Gastroenterol. Sep 14, 2006; 12(34): 5554-5556
Published online Sep 14, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i34.5554
Efficacy of low dose peginterferon alpha-2b with ribavirin on chronic hepatitis C
Rajesh Gupta, CH Ramakrishna, Sandeep Lakhtakia, Manu Tandan, Rupa Banerjee, D Nageshwar Reddy
Rajesh Gupta, CH Ramakrishna, Sandeep Lakhtakia, Manu Tandan, Rupa Banerjee, D Nageshwar Reddy, Department of Medical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Somajiguda 63661, Hyderabad, India
Correspondence to: D Nageshwar Reddy, Chief Gastroenterologist, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Somajiguda 63661, Hyderabad, India. aigindia@yahoo.co.in
Telephone: +91-40-23378888 Fax: +91-40-23324255
Received: February 22, 2005
Revised: February 28, 2005
Accepted: July 1, 2005
Published online: September 14, 2006
Abstract

AIM: To assess the efficacy of peginterferon alpha 2b at doses of 50 μg weekly and 80 μg weekly (based on body weight) plus ribavirin in HCV genotype 2 and genotype 3 chronic hepatitis C patients.

METHODS: During the study period of Jan 2002 to Dec 2003, all patients diagnosed as chronic hepatitis C or HCV related compensated cirrhosis were treated with peginterferon alpha 2b 50 μg S/C weekly (body weight < 60 kg) or 80 μg S/C weekly (body weight > 60 kg) plus ribavirin 800 mg/d for 24 wk.

RESULTS: Overall 28 patients, 14 patients in each group (based on body weight) were treated during the period. Out of 28 patients, 75% were genotype 3, 18% were genotype 2 and 7% were genotype 1. The mean dose of peginterferon alpha 2b was 0.91 μg/kg in group 1 and 1.23 μg/kg in group 2 respectively. The end of treatment and sustained virologic response rates were 82% and 78% respectively. Serious adverse effects were seen in 3.5% patients.

CONCLUSION: Low dose peginterferon alpha 2b in combination with ribavirin for 24 wk is effective in HCV genotype 2 and 3 chronic hepatitis C patients.

Keywords: Chronic hepatitis C; Peginterferon alpha 2b; Ribavirin