Chronic Hepatitis C Treated with Peginterferon alfa plus Ribavirin in Clinical Practice

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2011

Authors

Velosa, J (Author) Other; Serejo, F (Author) Other; Bana, T (Author) Other; Redondo, I (Author) Other; Simao, A (Author) Other; Vale, AMH (Author) Other; Pires, S (Author) Other; Macedo G (Author) FMUP; Marinho, R (Author) Other; Peixe, P (Author) Other; Sarmento, J (Author) Other; Matos, L (Author) Other; Calinas, F (Author) Other; Carvalho, A (Author) Other; Figueiredo, A (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Hepato-Gastroenterology

Vol. 58

Pages: 1260-1266

ISSN: 0172-6390

Publisher: Thieme

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 10 Citations

Scopus - 9 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-PT2

DOI: 10.5754/hge10239

Abstract (EN): Background/Aims: The role of genotype and viremia were retrospectively evaluated on sustained virological response (SVR) rates in routine clinical practice. Methodology: From 1907 patients with chronic hepatitis C proposed for treatment, we analysed 1380 (1124 naive and 256 treatment-experienced) with complete follow-up. Genotype and HCV RNA quantification were assayed by commercial tests. Viremia was considered high if >800,000IU/mL, and low if <400,000IU/mL. Liver fibrosis was staged in 614 patients. Results: Genotype 1 was the most frequent (60%), followed by 3 (25%), 4 (9%) and 2 (2%); 3.2% had other or unclassified genotype. Genotype 1 was more prevalent in central Portugal and genotype 4 in the south. Viremia was <= 800,000IU/mL in 54.6% and <400,000IU/mL in 34.6% of the patients, particularly in genotype 2 (p<0.03) and 4 (p<0.001). Genotype non-1 had a significantly lower viral load (p=0.004). Mild or moderate fibrosis was present in 71.7% and bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis in 28.3%, with no differences among genotypes. Treatment was discontinued in 19.8%. SVR was achieved in 55.3% of naive and 36.3% of re-treated patients. Conclusions: Standard treatment of chronic hepatitis C in real-life achieves similar results obtained in clinical trials, despite differences of demographic and viral parameters.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 7