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KMID : 1188320090030010020
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Gut and Liver
2009 Volume.3 No. 1 p.20 ~ p.25
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Recombinant Interferon-Beta-1a Plus Ribavirin for the Treatment of Chronic HCV Infection: A Prospective, Randomized, Comparative Pilot Study
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Ahn Sang-Hoon
Lee Hyun-Woong
Kim Yong-Soo
Kim Ja-Kyung
Han Kwang-Hyub
Chon Chae-Yoon
Moon Young-Myoung
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Abstract
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Background/Aims: Interferon beta (IFN-?) 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-? (IFN-?-1a) plus oral ribavirin versus interferon alpha (IFN-?) 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-?-1a (44?g) and IFN-? (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-?-1a group and IFN-? 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-?-1a group than in the IFN-? group, and there were more HCV genotype 1 patients in the IFN-?-1a group (eight versus seven). The IFN-?-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-?-1a and ribavirin and that of IFN-? and ribavirin.
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KEYWORD
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Hepatitis C, Treatment outcome, Interferons, Prospective studies
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