Recombinant Interferon-Beta-1 alpha Plus Ribavirin for the Treatment of Chronic HCV Infection: A Prospective, Randomized, Comparative Pilot Study
- Authors
- Ahn, Sang Hoon; Lee, Hyun Woong; Kim, Yong Soo; Kim, Ja Kyung; Han, Kwang-Hyub; Chon, Chae Yoon; Moon, Young Myoung
- Issue Date
- Mar-2009
- Publisher
- EDITORIAL OFFICE GUT & LIVER
- Keywords
- Hepatitis C; Treatment outcome; Interferons; Prospective studies
- Citation
- GUT AND LIVER, v.3, no.1, pp 20 - 25
- Pages
- 6
- Journal Title
- GUT AND LIVER
- Volume
- 3
- Number
- 1
- Start Page
- 20
- End Page
- 25
- URI
- https://scholarworks.bwise.kr/cau/handle/2019.sw.cau/65282
- DOI
- 10.5009/gnl.2009.3.1.20
- ISSN
- 1976-2283
2005-1212
- Abstract
- Background/Aims: Interferon beta (IFN-beta) has been shown to have antiviral activity, and thus could be useful in treating viral infections. Therefore, we compared the efficacy and safety of recombinant IFN-beta (IFN-beta-1a) plus oral ribavirin versus interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) plus ribavirin therapy for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (HCV). Methods: Twenty treatment-naive patients were randomized into two equal-sized treatment groups. Both IFN-beta-1a (44 mu g) and IFN-alpha (3 MIU) were given subcutaneously three times a week, while ribavirin was given orally at 1,000-1,200 mg/day. Patients were treated for 24 weeks and followed for an additional 24 weeks. Results: After 24 weeks of treatment, six (60%) and four patients (40%) in the IFN-beta-1a group and IFN-alpha groups, respectively, achieved viral clearance. The sustained virological response (SVR) at the end of the observation period was similar in both groups (40%). However, the baseline viral load was significantly higher (p=0.034) in the IFN-beta-1a group than in the IFN-alpha group, and there were more HCV genotype 1 patients in the IFN-beta-1a group (eight versus seven). The IFN-beta-1a group was associated with similar adverse events in terms of frequency and severity. Conclusions: The SVR rate and safety profile were similar for the combination of IFN-beta-1a and ribavirin and that of IFN-alpha and ribavirin. (Gut and Liver 2009;3:20-25)
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