Hemophilia Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Hemophilia, including details on genetics, causes, symptoms, blood transfusion.

Hepatitis C virus infection in adult Chinese hemophilia patients negative for the human immunodeficiency virus: treatment results with interferon and ribavirin.

Au WY, Lam CC, Liu CL, Yuen MF

Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. auwing@hotmail.com

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication in hemophilia patients depends on viral and patient factors. We report the treatment results with interferon 3 (5 megaunits, 3 times per week) and ribavirin (1 g daily) for 1 year in 17 Chinese patients who were negative for the human immunodeficiency virus. The HCV genotype consisted of a mixture of Western (genotypes 1, 2, and 3) and Chinese (genotypes 1 and 6) patterns. Quasi species were common (29%). Seven patients (41%) stopped treatment because of complications. Sustained HCV eradication was achieved until the end of treatment or for 24 months in 7 of 17 patients, respectively. A sustained response occurred in 50% of the patients completing treatment and occurred only in patients with genotypes 1, 3, and 6 but not with quasi species.

Published 6 October 2005 in Int J Hematol, 82(3): 259-61.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Hemophilia Research Today. All Rights Reserved.