Hepatitis C virus infection in adult Chinese hemophilia patients negative for the human immunodeficiency virus: treatment results with interferon and ribavirin

Int J Hematol. 2005 Oct;82(3):259-61. doi: 10.1532/IJH97.A10417.

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication in hemophilia patients depends on viral and patient factors. We report the treatment results with interferon 3 (5 megaunits, 3 times per week) and ribavirin (1 g daily) for 1 year in 17 Chinese patients who were negative for the human immunodeficiency virus. The HCV genotype consisted of a mixture of Western (genotypes 1, 2, and 3) and Chinese (genotypes 1 and 6) patterns. Quasi species were common (29%). Seven patients (41%) stopped treatment because of complications. Sustained HCV eradication was achieved until the end of treatment or for 24 months in 7 of 17 patients, respectively. A sustained response occurred in 50% of the patients completing treatment and occurred only in patients with genotypes 1, 3, and 6 but not with quasi species.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage*
  • China
  • Female
  • HIV Seropositivity*
  • HIV*
  • Hemophilia A* / complications
  • Hemophilia A* / virology
  • Hepatitis C / drug therapy*
  • Hepatitis C / etiology
  • Humans
  • Interferon-alpha / administration & dosage*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ribavirin / administration & dosage*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Ribavirin