Sustained viral response in treatment of recurent hepatitis C after liver transplantation

Abstract

Objective To investigate the efficacy of pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) plus ribavirin to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence, and analyze possible factors associated with sustained viral responses (SVR). Methods The enrolled 39 patients, who had recurrence of hepatitis C after liver transplantation and received antiretroviral therapy, were analyzed. Treatment was discontinued in 21 patients due to side effects, and the remaining 18 patients [13 males, 5 female,median age of 54 (27-67) years, treatment duration of 25-105 weeks)] were subjected to whole standard treatment. During the treatment, HCV RNA was measured at 4, 12, 24, and 24 weeks after HCV negative change as well as drug withdrawal. SVR was defined as HCV RNA negativity within 24 weeks after the drug withdrawal. The following variables were analyzed: ages, gender,pretreatment viral load, genotype, early viral response (EVR), levels of alanine aminotransferase before treatment and their association with SVR. Results The mean treatment duration was 57weeks with an SVR achieved in 4/18 (22. 2 %). Statistical analysis revealed that the genotype of non1B (P=0.023), RNA ＜106 copy/ml (P= 0. 044) before treatment and EVR (P=0.019) were the variables associated with SVR. Conclusion Genotype of nor-1B, low level RNA before treatment and EVR were the effective predictors of interferon antiviral therapy for recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation. Key words: Liver transplantation; Hepatitis C; Recurrence; Therapy; SVR