Recombinant Interferon-Beta-1alpha Plus Ribavirin for the Treatment of Chronic HCV Infection: A Prospective, Randomized, Comparative Pilot Study.
- Author:
Sang Hoon AHN
1
;
Hyun Woong LEE
;
Yong Soo KIM
;
Ja Kyung KIM
;
Kwang Hyub HAN
;
Chae Yoon CHON
;
Young Myoung MOON
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei Institute of Gastroenterology, Seoul, Korea. mymoon@yumc.yonsei.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article ; Randomized Controlled Trial
- Keywords:
Hepatitis C;
Treatment outcome;
Interferons;
Prospective studies
- MeSH:
Genotype;
Hepatitis C;
Hepatitis C, Chronic;
Humans;
Interferon-alpha;
Interferon-beta;
Interferons;
Pilot Projects;
Prospective Studies;
Ribavirin;
Treatment Outcome;
Viral Load
- From:Gut and Liver
2009;3(1):20-25
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Interferon beta (IFN-beta) has been shown to have antiviral activity, and thus could be useful in treating viral infections. Therefore, we compared the efficacy and safety of recombinant IFN-beta(IFN-beta-1a) plus oral ribavirin versus interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) plus ribavirin therapy for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (HCV). METHODS: Twenty treatment-naive patients were randomized into two equal-sized treatment groups. Both IFN-beta-1a (44microgram) and IFN-alpha (3 MIU) were given subcutaneously three times a week, while ribavirin was given orally at 1,000-1,200 mg/day. Patients were treated for 24 weeks and followed for an additional 24 weeks. RESULTS: After 24 weeks of treatment, six (60%) and four patients (40%) in the IFN-beta-1a group and IFN-alpha groups, respectively, achieved viral clearance. The sustained virological response (SVR) at the end of the observation period was similar in both groups (40%). However, the baseline viral load was significantly higher (p=0.034) in the IFN-beta-1a group than in the IFN-alpha group, and there were more HCV genotype 1 patients in the IFN-beta-1a group (eight versus seven). The IFN-beta-1a group was associated with similar adverse events in terms of frequency and severity. CONCLUSIONS: The SVR rate and safety profile were similar for the combination of IFN-beta-1a and ribavirin and that of IFN-alpha and ribavirin.
