The Sustained Virologic Response and Adverse Effects of Peg Interferon Alfa and Ribavirin in the Treatment of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C: A Study from Iran

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C infection is a worldwide problem. In Iran, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection prevalence is about 1-2%. A combination therapy of pegylated interferon alfa-2a and ribavirin (PEG-IFNa/RBV) is a standard treatment, but our aim was to determine the efficacy and safety of dual PEG-IFNa/RBV therapy in treating patients infected with HCV in Iranian context.Materials and Methods: This study is a cross sectional conducted among 98 HCV infected patients who were admitted to Labbafinezhad Hospital (Tehran, Iran) for treatment from April 2014 to September 2016. Patients were medicated with Peg Interferon Alfa (INFα) and Ribavirin (RBV). Lab tests were monitored through the study and dose modification was done. We also assessed treatment responses at the defined time points. The incidences of adverse events were determined either. We investigated independent predictors of sustained virologic response (SVR) in the participants. Finally, data were gathered and statistical analysis was completed.Results: Eighty-eight percent of patients were male and 11.2% were female. Mean age was 43.44 years. Patients were mostly male, single, with nongovernmental business and low level of education. Risk factors were known to be addiction with non-injectable substances and phlebotomy. Myalgia, fatigue and malaises were the most common complications and suicide intention was the least one. SVR was estimated 76.7%. AST and ALT were significantly reduced in treatment period.Conclusion: Peg INFα and RBV are effective in treating HCV infection.

Keywords

• Hepatitis C, Ribavirin, Peginterferon, Sustained virological response