EFFICACY OF COMBINED INTERFERON ALPHA AND RIBAVIRIN THERAPY IN PATIENTS OF CHRONIC HEPATITIS C

Abstract

Background: This study was carried out to determine the efficacy of combined interferon alpha and ribavirin therapy in patients of chronic hepatitis C. Methods: This study was conducted at Military Hospital Rawalpindi and Army Medical College, Rawalpindi from January 2006 to Feb 2007. One hundred and sixty seven non cirrhotic chronic hepatitis C patients were studied. The patients were grouped into study group (n=107) and control group (n=60). The patients had   persistently raised serum aminotransferase (ALT), positive HCV antibodies by 3^rd generation ELISA, positive HCV RNA by polymerase chain reaction. Study group patients had positive histopathological findings on liver biopsy on basis of Knodell histopathological index (HPI). At weeks 0, 12 and 24, blood samples were taken for the assay of serum alanine transferase (ALT) and serum. aspartate transferase (AST) levels in both the groups. Study group patients underwent 24 weeks Interferon and Ribavirin combination therapy and subsequently followed up for the response to treatment by the assay of HCV RNA by polymerase chain reaction at weeks 24. Control group included the patients without treatment plan but they also underwent screening for the same liver function tests. Results: Patients of chronic hepatitis C (80 males and 27 females) had age range 18-48 years. After 24 weeks of INF and ribavirin therapy, 86% patients showed favourable response to treatment manifested by negative HCV RNA polymerase chain reaction. Conclusions: Treatment with Interferon and ribavirin combination therapy for 24 weeks produces significant virological response in patients of chronic hepatitis C at the end of treatment.