A single centre experience of short course treatment for chronic hepatitis c genotype 2/3 infection in patients with rapid viral response. (13th March 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jafri, S D; Puli, C; Hodge-Johnson, L; Ch'ng, C L
• Is Part Of: Gut. Volume 60:(2011)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A234
• Page End: A235
• Publication Date: 2011-03-13
• Subjects: hepatitis C -- rapid viral response.; Gastroenterology -- Periodicals; 616.33
• DOI: 10.1136/gut.2011.239301.495
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0017-5749

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: There is increasing incidence of chronic hepatitis C in Wales with estimated 12 000 individuals infected with the virus giving a prevalence of 0.4% of the population. Welsh BBV Action Plan expects more patients to be treated each year. The treatment is associated with significant side-effects and cost implications. The authors report their experience in the treatment of hepatitis C genotype 2/3 patients. Methods: All patients treated in Singleton Hospital were prospectively audited between January 2007 and December 2009. All patients were genotyped and selected patients had liver biopsies. Hepatitis C PCR/viral load was checked at 4 weeks and 6 months post-treatment. Patients with rapid virological response (RVR), that is, negative PCR at 4 weeks were offered 16 weeks combination therapy unless they are cirrhotic. Results: 147 patients were treated from January 2007 till August 2010. 83 patients were genotype1, four genotype 4, six genotype 2, 50 genotype 3 while four were unknown genotypes. Of the 44 patients with genotype 2/3 who underwent treatment between January 2007 and December 2009, 22 (6 genotype 2 and 16 genotype 3) were treated with 16 weeks combination therapy following RVR. 3 of these 22 lost to follow-up, one stopped treatment because of serious adverse event and 18 patients showed sustained viral response (SVR) at 6 months post-treatment giving an SVR rate of 81% (18/22). Of the other 22 patients (20 without RVR and 2 with RVR but cirrhosis) were given 24 weeks of treatment, 1 lost follow-up, 12 patients achieved SVR, 8 did not while SVR couldn't be done in 1 patient despite of all efforts; giving SVR rate in this cohort of 55% (12/22). Conclusion: In their experience, 16 weeks short course combination peginterferon and ribavirin is effective for hepatitis C genotype 2/3 patients. Patients with RVR are associated with a significant better outcome (SVR) compared to those without, that is, 81% versus 50%. Short course treatment will reduce treatment and monitoring costs and duration of side effects. It also allows more patients to be treated each year.