Sammanfattning
BACKGROUND In the period 2000-2011, chronic hepatitis C virus infection (HCV infection) was primarily treated with a combination of pegylated
interferon and ribavirin. New antiviral drugs, which are effective but very expensive, are in the process of replacing this regimen. We have
investigated the results pegylated interferon and ribavirin have yielded in ordinary clinical practice and examined the part this treatment may play
in the near future.
MATERIAL AND METHOD We included in this retrospective study HCV-RNA-positive, treatment-naive patients at Stavanger University Hospital,
Akershus University Hospital and Østfold Hospital who received at least one dose of pegylated interferon in combination with ribavirin in the
period 2000-2011. The primary endpoint was sustained virologic response (SVR). Predictors for SVR were identified by means of logistic
regression analysis.
RESULTS Of 588 included patients, 69.6 % (409/588) achieved SVR, 14.3 % (84/588) suffered relapse and 16.1 % (95/588) showed non-response. In
a multivariate analysis, genotypes 2 or 3 and low age at treatment start were independent predictors of SVR. A total of 85.4 % of patients aged = 40
years with genotype 2 or 3 had SVR.
INTERPRETATION We found good results for treatment of young patients with genotype 2 or 3 with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Low age and
viral genotype were predictors of sustained virologic response (SVR).