PTU-069 Predictors of hepatitis C treatment outcome in genotype 1 patients in a “real world” setting

IntroductionMany factors affect treatment outcomes in Hepatitis C genotype 1 patients, some of which may differentiate between those achieving sustained viral response (SVR) and those who don't. Several variables were studied in unselected patients to look at predictive factors for achieving SVR.MethodsMedical records of 438 patients treated with PEG-IFN α-2b and Ribavirin from 20 UK centres were studied to better understand factors predicting successful treatment outcome in the “real world” outside clinical trials. Data included patient demographics, SVR rates, early viral response (EVR), rapid viral response (RVR), methadone and other medication use and lab assay data. This study was supported by Schering-Plough.ResultsHCV was contracted from injection drug use (61%), blood/blood products (13%) or other source (26%). 55% (243/438) of patients achieved SVR. As expected, male sex, high viral load and cirrhosis were all associated with failure to achieve SVR. 78% (341/438) had a liver biopsy prior to treatment, 12% were cirrhotic. The use of methadone / buprenorphine (65/438) or antidepressants (102/438) did not affect SVR negatively. EPO and GCSF were used in a small number of cases (2%). Higher doses and longer duration use was associated with greater chance of achieving SVR. Younger age (40 vs 46 years, p