Factors influencing the response of interferon therapy in chronic hepatitis C patients.

OBJECTIVE To determine factors influencing response of interferon therapy in chronic hepatitis C patients. STUDY DESIGN Descriptive, analytical study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Pakistan Medical Research Centre, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, from January 1998 to December 2009. METHODOLOGY Patients of chronic hepatitis C treated with conventional interferon were retrospectively analyzed. End treatment response at 6 months for genotype 2 and 3 and one-year for genotype 1 and 4 was assessed. Sustained virological response was checked after 6 months of cessation of therapy. Non-compliant and incomplete follow-up cases were excluded. Factors influencing the response to therapy were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 932 cases received interferon therapy 103 were lost to follow-up and were excluded. Treatment was completed in 829 cases end treatment response was 74% (615 out of 829 cases). Six months post-treatment follow-up was available in 492 cases. Sustained virological response was seen in 63% (308 out of 492 cases). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed significantly better response in patients with <40 years of age, body weight>70 kg, normal platelet count, serum albumin>4.0 grams, non diabetic patients and those with a normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at 1st month of therapy. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that only age<40 years was significantly important for sustained virological response. CONCLUSION For conventional interferon therapy, age<40 years is the best predictor for sustained virological response, however, better response can be achieved in patients with <70 kg weight, normal platelet count, serum albumin>4.0 grams, non-diabetics and patients having normal ALT at 1st month of therapy.