Abstract
Virological response to interferon (IFN) is poor in patients with plasma levels of HCV RNA higher than 1 Meq/ml and genotype 1b hepatitis C viral infection. In 60 patients, a randomized control study was conducted to compare 3 MU of IFN-β twice daily for four weeks (group A) and 6 MU once a day for four weeks (group B) followed by a four-week administration of 6 MU once a day. The plasma levels of HCV RNA, determined by an amplicore-monitor method, for patients in group A were significantly lower than those for group B at the fourth and eighth day of IFN administration, and complete virological responses were noted in two patients from group A but none in group B. It is concluded that twice daily administration of 3 MU IFN-β is more effective than once a day 6 MU in the early phase of IFN therapy.
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Izumi, N., Kumada, H., Hashimoto, N. et al. Rapid Decrease of Plasma HCV RNA in Early Phase of Twice Daily Administration of 3 MU Doses Interferon-β in Patients with Genotype 1b Hepatitis C Infection. Dig Dis Sci 46, 516–523 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005686829416
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1005686829416