Author/Authors :
Rahman, MZ Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) - Department of Gastroenterology, Bangladesh , Ahmed, DS Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University - Department of Gastroenterology, Bangladesh , Masud, H Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University - Department of Gastroenterology, Bangladesh , Parveen, S Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) - Department of Paediatrics, Bangladesh , Rahman, MA Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) - Department of Gastroenterology, Bangladesh , Barua, R Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) - Department of Gastroenterology, Bangladesh , Ishaque, SM Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) - Department of Gastroenterology, Bangladesh
Abstract :
Peginterferon α-2a and ribavirin combination therapy achieves a sustained virological response (SVR) in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Little is know about long-term durability of hepatitis C virus – Ribonucleic acid (HCV-RNA) negativity in patient treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy. Aim of this study was to evaluate the durability of virologic response in patients with SVR to anti-viral therapy treated at our centre. A total of 52 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection who had obtained SVR after Peginterferon α-2a and ribavirin combination therapy were followed up to 5 years with annual HCV-RNA testing. During this follow up period, 4 of 52 patients with initial SVR developed late relapse of hepatitis C virus infection. Relapse was more common in patients who has cirrhosis (3/6 [50%]) vs (1/46 [2.17%]) without cirrhosis. In conclusion, SVR is durable in most patients, but some patients do have late relapse; long term follow up may be particularly important in a subset of patients with hepatitis C virus infection who have liver cirrhosis.
