Therapeutic Aspects of Hepatitis C in Hemodialysis Patients

Background: Since hemodialysis (HD) patients usually suffer from multiple clinical problems and drug side effects, the treatment of hepatitis C in these patients still remains a challenging problem. Methods: We identified eligible studies using a wide-spectrum search up to May 2007 in MEDLINE (since 1966) and EMBASE (since 1980). Two researchers (S.M.H.M. and M.R.) independently reviewed the manuscripts identified by the search strategy. To determine the most current information, only studies that had been published after 1995 were included. Results: Interferon (IFN)-α has long been used for this purpose; however, more recently the advent of pegylated (PEG) IFN has proven to be more beneficial in these patients. Even though the usage of ribavirin is promising in the case of hepatitis C in otherwise healthy subjects, the utilization of this drug in patients with renal failure may be accompanied by catastrophic complications. Conclusion: Although both conventional IFN and PEG-IFN seem to be favorable options for the management of hepatitis C in HD patients, further studies on new therapeutic agents are required.