Factors That
Predict a Rapid Virological Response at Week 4 and a Sustained Virological Response
at Week 24
Approximately
one third of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 patients achieved a sustained
virological response (SVR) after 24 weeks of treatment with peginterferon alfa-2a
(Pegasys) plus ribavirin in a randomized, multinational trial.
In
the present study, researchers aimed to identify factors associated with a rapid
virological response (RVR) at week 4 (HCV RNA <50 IU/mL) and a SVR (HCV RNA <50 IU/mL
at the end of follow-up) in these patients.
Stepwise
multiple logistic regression analysis was used to explore the prognostic factors
for a RVR and SVR in genotype 1 patients treated for 24 weeks. Results 
Fifty-one of 216 (24%) genotype 1 patients in the
24-week treatment groups had a RVR.
SVR rates were considerably higher in patients
without a RVR (89% vs. 19%, respectively) were
more likely to achieve a RVR than those with HCV RNA greater than 600,000 IU/mL.
HCV subtype (1b vs. 1a) was also independently
associated with.
RVR and baseline HCV RNA less than 200,000 IU/mL
were significant and independent predictors of SVR in patients treated for 24
weeks. |
In
conclusion, the authors write, “Patients infected with HCV genotype 1 and treated
with peginterferon alfa-2a plus ribavirin
sustained a RVR 24% of the time. This portends an 89% probability of a SVR after
24 weeks of treatment.” 05/09/06 Reference
D
M Jensen, T R Morgan, P Marcellin and others.
Early identification of HCV genotype 1 patients responding to 24 weeks peginterferon alfa-2a (40 kd)/ribavirin therapy. Hepatology 43(5): 954-960.
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