Abstract
Objectives: Currently pegylated interferon alpha (peg-IFN) and ribavirin treatment is recommended for chronic hepatitis C treatment. The aim of treatment is to provide sustained viral response (SVR).
Material and Methods: A total of 125 patients, who have been treated for chronic hepatitis C diagnosis and are followed up until 6 months after treatment, were enrolled into the study. Markers, which have indicated treatment response against hepatitis C virus treatment, treatment responses according to peg-IFNα type used, and experienced side effects in patients have been compared.
Results: Of patients, 103 were (82.4%) female and 22 were (17.6%) male and mean of age was 54.74±7.93 years. Markers indicating SVR in our study were calculated as rapid viral response (RVR) (p<0.001); early viral response (EVR) (p<0.001); high baseline thrombocyte (x103 / µl) value (240,93 ± 75,61) (p<0.004); baseline total bilirubin level (0.55±0.19) (p<0.001) and hepatic fibrosis stage (according to Knodell or modified ISHAK staging >2) (p<0.034). Predictive parameters for EVR in our study were defined as absence of diabetes in patients, high baseline lymphocyte numbers (2024.74±625.93) and high baseline cholesterol level (in EVR positive patients 180.47±32.77 mg/dl; in EVR negatives 152.00±24.56). There was no statistical difference between peg-IFN type in patients and RVR, EVR and SVR. Also there was no statistical difference in hematological side effects (neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia) in both treatment groups.
Conclusions: As the efficacy of treatment against HCV is defined, predictive markers for the treatment response are becoming more significant. Therefore, it is concluded that these factors should also be considered in patient treatment plans.