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Combination Treatment of IFNα2b and Ribavirin in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C and Persistently Normal ALTs

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Abstract

Combination therapy of interferon-α2b and ribavirin was prospectively evaluated in 20 patients with chronic replicative hepatitis and persistently normal ALTs. Patients with normal ALTs on three or more occasions within 6 months received interferon-α2b 3 MU three times a week with ribavirin 1000–1200 mg everyday for 12 months and had a follow-up of 6 months. HCV genotype 1 was found in 16, and HCV genotype 2 or 3 in 4 patients. No patient experienced an ALT elevation during therapy. Ten of 20 patients (50%) cleared virus at the end of treatment. In an intent-to-treat analysis, a sustained virological response (SR) was achieved in 8 of 20 patients (40%). Nonresponse occurred in 5 patients. Relapse and breakthrough were seen in 2 patients each. Treatment was discontinued in 3 patients due to side effects. Interferon (IFN) ribavirin combination therapy is effective in patients with normal ALTs and appears superior to IFN monotherapy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und Infektiologie, Düsseldorf, Germany

    Andreas Erhardt, Ulla Behlen-Wilm, Tobias Heintges & Dieter Häussinger

  2. Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Virologie;, Düsseldorf, Germany

    Ortwin Adams & Andreas Donner

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  1. Andreas Erhardt
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  2. Ulla Behlen-Wilm
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  3. Ortwin Adams
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  4. Andreas Donner
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  6. Dieter Häussinger
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Erhardt, A., Behlen-Wilm, U., Adams, O. et al. Combination Treatment of IFNα2b and Ribavirin in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C and Persistently Normal ALTs. Dig Dis Sci 48, 921–925 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023051613300

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