| Abstract | dc.description.abstract | Background: The current treatment recommendation for chronic hepatitis C
virus infection is the combination of peginterferon and ribavirin for 24 or 48 weeks,
depending on the viral genotype. The aim of the therapy is to obtain a sustained virological
response. Aim: To report our experience in the treatment of chronic hepatitis
C. Material and Methods: Analysis of 52 patients treated between September 2000
and June 2009. Patients with genotype 1 or 5 were treated with peginterferon alpha
2a (180 ug/week) and ribavirin (1000 mg/day for those weighing less than 75 kg and
1200 mg/day for those weighing more than 75 kg) during 48 weeks. Patients with
genotypes 2 and 3 were treated for 24 weeks with the same dose of peginterferon and
ribavirin 800 mg /day. Results: Viral genotypes 1, 2, 3 and 5 were present in 81, 4,
11 and 4% of patients, respectively. Twenty four patients (46 %), 18 with genotype
1, achieved a sustained viral response. Age was the only variable that infl uenced the
response to treatment. Conclusions: Approximately half of the patients with chronic
hepatitis C, achieve a sustained viral response with peginterferon and ribavirin. | en_US |
