Conventional Versus Pegylated Interferons in Treatment of HCV Patients

Introduction: Based on data from recent trials, peginterferon and ribavirin combination therapy is the standard of care in treating patients with chronic HCV infection, but because of high costs, many patients may deprive from treatment. Methods: We conducted a clinical trial on HCV patients in Yazd in gastroenterology clinic. Thirty patients received conventional subcutaneous interferon alfa-2b (PDferon B®,PooyeshDarou, Tehran, Iran) at a dose of 3 million units three times per week plus oral ribavirin 1000 mg, and 30 patients received PEG IFN -2a (Pegasys: Roche company)180 mcg weekly plus ribavirin 1000 mg/day. Patients with genotype 1 were treated for 48 weeks and those with genotypes 2 and 3 were treated for 24 weeks. Ribavirin was used according to weight based regimen. Sustained virological response(SVR) was the primary objective outcome. Two groups were matched for age, sex and BMI. Results: Three females and fifty seven males participated in the study. SVR was 93.3% in peginterferon group and 90% in conventional interferon group regardless of genotype. Frequency of genotype 1a, 1b, and 3a was 51.7 %, 3.3%, and 36.7%, respectively and in 8.3% of cases genotype was undetermined. SVR in peginterferon group with genotype 1a, 1b, 3a and undetermined genotype was 94.4%, 100%, 87.55 and 100%, respectively. SVR in conventional group with genotype 1a, 1b, 3a and undetermined genotype was 92.3%, -, 85.7% and 100%, respectively. SVR was not significantly different between two groups (p= 1). There wasn't a significant difference between two groups regarding response to treatment or side effects. The treatment cost was 3.240.000 Rls and 36.000.000 Rls in conventional interferon and peginterferon groups, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed a continuous and acceptable response to treatment with conventional interferon and ribavirin.