Re-treatment with highly purified nIFNα in Mexican nonresponder patients with chronic genotype 1 hepatitis C

Linda E. Muñoz-Espinosa, Paula Cordero-Pérez, Eduardo Marín-López, Liliana Torres-González, Rene Malé-Velázquez, Rolando Armienta-Sarabia, María Elena Hernández-Gómez, José de Jesús Ernesto Núñez-Camarena, Marco Antonio Olivera-Martínez, Juan Francisco Sánchez-Avila

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background and Aims: We undertook this study to evaluate the virological response to and presence of adverse events to natural interferon α (nIFNα; Multiferon®) treatment in previously nonresponsive Mexican patients chronically infected with genotype 1 hepatitis C. Methods: Thirty-nine patients received a 4-week induction of 5 days/week of 6 MU nIFNα plus weight-based ribavirin followed by 3 MU of nIFNα three times a week for 44 weeks. The relationship between viral response and incidence of adverse events was analyzed. Results: Early viral response (EVR) was age- and sex-dependent, with older male patients being less responsive. Sustained viral response (SVR) was evaluated according to: a) intention to treat analysis, b) 48-week treatment and 24-week follow-up (16 patients), and c) patients with EVR (11 patients). None of the factors was significantly different in groups a) and b); however, in group c) there was a better response with a marked viral load decline in younger patients and in patients aged 50 years and older. Five of 39 (13%) patients who completed treatment presented with an SVR. The most common adverse effect was asthenia in 27% of patients. Conclusions: nIFNα could be a useful strategy for re-treatment in chronic hepatitis C, genotype 1, in previously nonresponsive patients. Confirmation of these data in a larger population is required.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)444-448
Number of pages5
JournalArchives of Medical Research
Volume44
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2013

Keywords

  • Adverse events
  • Hepatitis C virus
  • Natural interferon alpha
  • Nonresponders
  • Sustained viral response

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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