Peginterferon Alfa-2a (Pegasys) and Ribavirin in the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C

authors:

avatar Mohammad Reza Zali 1 , * , avatar Hamid Mohaghegh Shalmani 2 , avatar Mohsen Norouzinia 2 , avatar Amir Hooshang MohammadAlizadeh 2 , avatar Azita Nowroozi 2 , avatar Negar Behrouz 2

Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Disease, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences & Study Group of Interferon in Iran (SG.IFN.IR), zali@ams.ac.ir, Tehran, IR.Iran
Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Disease, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR.Iran

How To Cite Zali M, Shalmani H, Norouzinia M, MohammadAlizadeh A, Nowroozi A, et al. Peginterferon Alfa-2a (Pegasys) and Ribavirin in the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C. Hepat Mon. 2004;4(7): 75-78. 

Abstract

Background and Aim: Pegylation of interferon alfa-2a is a new modality for treatment of chronic hepatitis C. This clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PEG IFN in combination with ribavirin in CHC patients.
Methods: Fifty seven patients with HCV RNA in serum, persistently elevated ALT and chronic C hepatitis on liver biopsy enrolled to this study. The patients received PEG IFN 180 micg per week plus ribavirin 10-15 mg/kg per day.
Results: HCV RNA was negative in 37 patients (74%) after three months of beginning of study (EVR) and SVR occurred in 50% of all patients.
Conclusion: Peginterferon alfa-2a plus ribavirin is safe and effective in treatment of naïve patients and relapsers.

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