Evaluation of Temporal Virological Responses to Interferon-α-2b plus Ribavirin among Genotype 3a Hepatitis C Virus-Infected Patients

Objectives: The present study aimed to examine the impact of rapid virological response (RVR) and early virological response (EVR) on sustained virological response (SVR) in chronic hepatitis C genotype 3a individuals. Methods: The patients were given antiviral therapy with IFN-alpha-2b, 3 million units 3 times a week and 800-1,200 mg of ribavirin daily adjusted to the patient's body weight (< 60 kg 800 mg day(-1), and > 60 kg 1,200 day(-1)). The patients received this combination therapy for 24 weeks. The patients were evaluated for their viral load at week 4, 12, and 24 using RT-PCR. Results: Out of 1,471 patients, 43.3% showed a negative viral load in week 4, demonstrating RVR, whereas 56.6% maintained a high viral load. These were further separated based on viral reduction in their plasma: either negative for HCV-RNA at week 12 (n =575), manifesting EVR, or showing a 2-log reduction in HCV viral load classified as partial EVR (PEVR; n =259). The PEVR response was less (29.7%) compared with RVR (85.9%) and EVR (69.0%), although nonresponders were found in both groups. Conclusions: Individuals incompliant with their treatment who have a higher RVR significantly influence their SVR towards a better remission that can be treated within a short duration with standard treatment. (C) 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel