Chronic hepatitis C: Treatment of pegylated interferon/ ribavirin nonresponders

Abstract

Patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) who were nonresponders to previous treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin are a growing population. The vast majority have genotype 1, a high viral load, advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis, and are of African-American race. The evaluation of these patients should include a thorough review of the previous treatment record and characterization of the previous nonresponse. Patients with prior null response are likely resistant to the effects of interferon. In contrast, patients with partial virologic response, breakthrough, and relapse could potentially achieve sustained virologic response if one or more correctable factors that contributed to the prior nonresponse are identified and addressed before and during retreatment. Many HCV nonresponders, especially those with no fibrosis or mild fibrosis, have an excellent prognosis, are at low risk to develop cirrhosis, and should simply be monitored at periodic intervals until more effective therapy has been developed.