The efficacy and adverse events of standard interferon (alpha2aor2b) plus ribavirin versus pegylated interferon (alpha2aor2b) plus ribavirin

Abstract number: P2029

Gedik H., Yahyaoglu M., Fincanci M.

Objectives: In this study the efficacy and adverse events of standard interferon alpha 2a (or 2b) plus ribavirin versus peginterferon alpha 2a (or 2b) plus ribavirin was evaluated in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Methods: A total of 98 naive patients with biopsy proven chronic hepatitis, elevated ALT levels, and positive HCV-RNA were enrolled. Fifty-six patients received standard interferon a-2a or 2b (3 MIU tiw) plus ribavirin (1000–1200 mg qd) for 52 weeks (Group A) and 42 patients received peginterferon a-2b (1.5 mg/kg subcutaneously weekly) or Pegylated interferon a-2a (140 mg or 180 mg subcutaneously weekly) plus ribavirin (1000–1200 mg qd) for 52 weeks (Group B).

Results: Baseline ALT levels were 79.05±53.82 in group A; 106.5±79.55 in group B, and fibrosis scores were 1.75±1.16 in group A; 2±1.31 in group B. In Group A genotype 1 was 91%; genotype 3a was 9% and in group B genotype 1 was 82%; genotype 3a was 10% and genotype 1+4 was 8%. End of treatment biochemical response was 89% in Group A and 78% in group B, sustained virologic response 63% in group A and 73% in group B, and similar relapse rates of 17% in both groups. The percentages of adverse events were 92% and 97%, respectively.

The most common adverse event was asthenia. Standard interferon plus ribavirin was discontinued in 4 of 56; peginterferon plus ribavirin was discontinued in 5 of 42.

Conclusion: In conclusion, no significant difference on efficacy and adverse events between the two treatment schedules was observed in this study. Both combination therapeutic regimens are effective in inducing a sustained virologic response.