A meta-analysis that compares the use of either peginterferon-α2a or peginterferon-α2b plus ribavirin for HCV infection.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Two kinds of peginterferons, peginterferon-α2a (PEG-IFN-α2a) and peginterferon-α2b (PEG-IFN-α2b), are used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, it is unclear which is better in terms of virological responses and patient compliance. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess which peginterferon was better when used with ribavirin.

Methods

Relevant clinical trials were identified through the PubMed and EMBASE databases. Primary outcomes included early virological response (EVR), end of treatment response (ETR) and sustained virological response (SVR). Secondary outcomes included biochemical and histological responses and the discontinuation of treatment after adverse events. Meta-analysis was performed using fixed-effect or random-effe

SUBMITTER: Xiao N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3846370 | biostudies-literature | 2010

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature