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Treatment of chronic hepatitis C in nonresponders to interferon monotherapy

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Abstract

Sixty percent of patients fail to respond to interferon monotherapy. African-Americans with hepatitis C appear to respond less well to interferon monotherapy. Retreatment with a higher dose of consensus interferon for 48 weeks has led to a sustained virologic response rate of 13%. As a group, interferon nonresponders who breakthrough while on interferon monotherapy seem to have a more favorable response rate to a repeat course of treatment. Retreatment with interferon and ribavirin for 6 months in nonresponders led to a sustained virologic response rate of 21%. Preliminary results from two trials in the United States demonstrate similar treatment efficacy. There is now evidence that maintenance interferon therapy may also be beneficial in interferon monotherapy nonresponders.

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  1. Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 975 West Walnut Street, IB 424, 46202-5121, Indianapolis, IN, USA

    Paul Y. Kwo MD

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  1. Paul Y. Kwo MD
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Kwo, P.Y. Treatment of chronic hepatitis C in nonresponders to interferon monotherapy. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 2, 11–17 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-000-0046-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-000-0046-4

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