Ribavirin combined with interferon for treatment of chronic hepatitis C: a report of 7 cases

Objective: To evaluate the therapy of ribavirin(RBV) plus interferon(IFN) which was made according to the genotype of hepatitis C virus(HCV) and virological response for treatment of hepatitis C.Methods: The genotype of 7 patients with chronic hepatitis C was detected by reverse-transcript PCR.The patients with genotype 1 received the therapy of RBV 1.0-1.2 g / d,P.O combined with per week pegylated interferon ɑ-2a(PEG-IFN ɑ-2a) subcutaneous injection,180 g for 48 weeks,and patients with genotype 2 /3 were treated by RBV(800 mg / d,P.O) combined with per week PEG-IFN ɑ-2a subcutaneous injection,180 g for 24 weeks.The load of HCV RNA was detected after 4,12 and 24 week during the therapy.The treatment period was modified according to the serum levels of HCV RNA.Results: Sustained virological response was observed in all the 7 patients.Conclusions: Modifying the therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis according to the genotype of HCV and the virological response is of vital importance to enhance the antiviral efficacy.