Bello NM, Rapado VM, Montalvo VMC, Rodríguez LLÁ, Bello CM, Sariego FS

Language: Spanish
References: 21
Page: 8-12
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ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the response to combined therapy with interferon alpha 2b ribavirin (IFN alpha 2b/Rbv) in Cuban patients with chronic hepatitis virus C.
Methods: A clinical, viral and histologic follow-up of ten patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis virus C, who were administered interferon alpha 2b (3 million of UI/ 3 times per week) and ribavirin (1 000 mg if ‹ 75 kg; 1 200 mg if › 75 kg each 12 hours) during 48 weeks was done. Virological response was evaluated by qualitative polymerase chain reaction and viral genotype was determined by nucleotide sequencing.
Results: Eighty percent of the studied patients achieved an early virological response with a reduction of the aminotransferase levels but only the 30% achieved a sustained virological response. Seventy percent of patients were infected by hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 and 25% of them responded to the therapy. Patients infected by HCV genotype 2 achieved a sustained virological response.
Conclusions: Results obtained suggests that in the patients infected by hepatitis C virus (HCV), treated with interferon alpha 2b ribavirin, the viral early response is not indicative of sustained virological response. Likewise, the reduction of the levels of aminotransferase during treatment does not predict the response to therapy. Patients infected by hepatitis virus C genotype 2b, achieve a viral response differently from those infected by genotype 1, therefore, in places where pegylated interferon, is not available, combined therapy with IFN alpha 2b ribarvirin could be a therapeutic option in such cases.

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