Factors influencing therapeutic response to pegylated interferon plus ribavirin in the different genotypes of chronic hepatitis C

BACKGROUND Different factors like age, sex, route of infection, initial viral load, levels of liver function tests and genotypes may affect response to treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of these factors in the treatment of these patients. METHODS From 2004 to 2012, different genotypes of chronic HCV (Hepatitis C virus) patients in Babol, North of Iran who were treated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin with standard doses (48 weeks for genotype 1, and 24 weeks for genotypes 2 and 3) were entered in the study. HCV RNA was measured during and after treatment based on genotype and protocol. The outcome measure was defined as sustained virological response (SVR) (negative HCV RNA after six months of therapy) was achieved. The data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS The mean age of the patients (61 males, 5 females) was 33.82±9.64 years. Twenty seven (40.9%), 37 (56.1%) and 2 (%3) were genotypes 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Twenty one (77.8%) with genotype 1, and 34 (91.9%) with genotype 3 achieved SVR (P=0.045). Fifty-five of 61 men (90.2%) and 2 out of 5 females (40%) achieved SVR (P=0.01). SVR was seen in 22 (88%) of 25 IV drug patients versus in 35 (85.4%) of the non-addict cases (p>0.05). There were no significant differences regarding age, viral load, and liver aminotransferase levels with treatment. CONCLUSION The results show that genotypes 2 and 3, and the male sex had better SVR. Further studies with large number of cases are recommended.