摘要
Background/Aims: Interferon (IFN) monotherapy significantly reduces the chron icity rate of acute hepatitis C (AHC) but optimal regimen and treatment timing r emain undefined. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a 6- month course of pegylated IFN (PEG- IFN) α - 2b monotherapy in AHC patients and to investigate if IFN treatment initiated after 12 weeks from clinical presentatio n, still achieved a high response rate. Methods: Sixteen AHC patients still vire mic after 12 weeks from the onset were treated with PEG- IFN α - 2b (1.5 mcg/ kg once weekly) for 6 months and followed for at least 12 months. Response to th erapy was defined as normal ALT values and undetectable HCV RNA (< 50 IU/ml) at the end of therapy, after 6 (sustained r esponse) and 12 months follow- up (long- term response). Results: At the end o f treatment, HCV RNA was undetectable in 15/16 patients while ALT normalized in 14/16 patients. After 6 and 12 months follow- up, 15/16 patients (94% ) showed virological and biochemical response. Conclusions: A 6- month course of PEG- IFN α - 2b is effective in inducing resolution of AHC in 94% of patients. Ou r results provide a rationale for delaying treatment for 12 weeks, targeting onl y patients who fail to clear the virus spontaneously and truly requiring therapy without loss of efficacy.
Background/Aims: Interferon (IFN) monotherapy significantly reduces the chron icity rate of acute hepatitis C (AHC) but optimal regimen and treatment timing r emain undefined. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a 6- month course of pegylated IFN (PEG- IFN) α - 2b monotherapy in AHC patients and to investigate if IFN treatment initiated after 12 weeks from clinical presentatio n, still achieved a high response rate. Methods: Sixteen AHC patients still vire mic after 12 weeks from the onset were treated with PEG- IFN α - 2b (1.5 mcg/ kg once weekly) for 6 months and followed for at least 12 months. Response to th erapy was defined as normal ALT values and undetectable HCV RNA (< 50 IU/ml) at the end of therapy, after 6 (sustained r esponse) and 12 months follow- up (long- term response). Results: At the end o f treatment, HCV RNA was undetectable in 15/16 patients while ALT normalized in 14/16 patients. After 6 and 12 months follow- up, 15/16 patients (94% ) showed virological and biochemical response. Conclusions: A 6- month course of PEG- IFN α - 2b is effective in inducing resolution of AHC in 94% of patients. Ou r results provide a rationale for delaying treatment for 12 weeks, targeting onl y patients who fail to clear the virus spontaneously and truly requiring therapy without loss of efficacy.
