PEG-IFN Plus Ribavirin Combination Therapy for Older Patients

Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2b Plus Ribavirin Combination Treatment for Older Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C

The purpose of this study is to analyze the efficacy and safety of a combination therapy of pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) alpha-2b plus ribavirin (RBV) for older Japanese patients (≧65years old) infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) compared with younger patients(< 65 years old).

Inclusion Criteria:

• A prospective study of 2270 Japanese patients aged 18 years or older treated with PEG-IFN alpha-2b plus RBV was done between December 2004 and July 2008.
• All positive for both antibody to HCV and HCV-RNA for over six months and were enrolled.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Clinical or biochemical evidence of hepatic decompensation.
• Advanced cirrhosis identified by large esophageal varices (F2 or F3).
• History of gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites, encephalopathy, or hepatocellular carcinoma.
• Hemoglobin level < 11.5g/L, white blood cell count < 3×10９/Ｌ，and platelet count < 50×10９/Ｌ.
• Concomitant liver disease other than hepatitis C(hepatitis B surface antigen positive or HIV positive).
• Excessive active alcohol consumption > 60 g/day or drug abuse.
• Severe psychiatric disease.
• Antiviral or corticosteroid therapy within 12 months prior to the enrollment.