Efficacy of regimens containing pegylated interferon and ribavirin in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C: A retrospective overview

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the response to interferon treatment, factors affecting permanent response, and recurrence in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Methods: This retrospective study included 305 patients with CHC. They received either pegylated interferon alfa-2A (PEG IF-N[alpha]-2A) + ribavirin (RIB) treatment or pegylated interferon alfa-2B (PEG IFN[alpha]-2B) + RIB treatment for 48 weeks. Results: At the 48th week of treatment, hepatitis C virus ribonucleic acid (HCV RNA) clearance was seen in 151 (49.5%) of the 305 patients as end-of-treatment response (ETR). ETR was observed in 70 (50.7%) patients treated with PEG IFN[alpha]-2A + RIB and in 81 (48.5%) patients treated with PEG IFN[alpha]-2B + RIB (p>0.05). After 6 months of treatment, sustained virological response (SVR) was observed in 138 (45.2%) patients. SVR was observed in 63 (45.7%) patients treated with PEG IFN[alpha]-2A+RIB and in 75 (45.9%) patients treated with PEG IFN[alpha]-2B+RIB (p>0.05). After treatment, recurrence occurred in 35 (11.6%) patients. Conclusion: The long-term prognosis of CHC infection is positively affected by the treatment regimen. PEG IFN[alpha]-2A + RIB and PEG IFN[alpha]-2B + RIB treatment regimens have not yet increased HCV RNA clearance to the desired level. Thus, new treatment regimens are required. Keywords: Pegylated interferon alfa-2A + ribavirin, pegylated interferon alfa-2B + ribavirin, hepatitis C virus ribonucleic acid