Significance of a reduction in HCV RNA levels at 4 and 12 weeks in patients infected with HCV genotype 1b for the prediction of the outcome of combination therapy with peginterferon and ribavirin.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The importance of the reduction in hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels 4 and 12 weeks after starting peginterferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin combination therapy has been reported to predict a sustained virologic response (SVR) in patients infected with HCV genotype 1. We conducted a multicenter study to validate this importance along with baseline predictive factors in this patient subpopulation.

Methods

A total of 516 patients with HCV genotype 1 and pretreatment HCV RNA levels ≥5.0 log(10) IU/mL who completed response-guided therapy according to the AASLD guidelines were enrolled. The reduction in serum HCV RNA levels 4 and 12 weeks after starting therapy was measured using real-time PCR, and its value in predicting the likelihood of SVR was evaluated.

Results</

SUBMITTER: Toyoda H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3573976 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature