Sustained response to interferon-α or to interferon-α plus ribavirin in hepatitis C virus-associated symptomatic mixed cryoglobulinaemia

摘要: Background : Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been associated with mixed cryoglobulinaemia. Aim : To investigate the efficacy of anti-viral therapy on eradication HCV and its clinical manifestations in patients HCV-associated symptomatic cryoglobulinaemia. Patients methods : 18 out 32 cryoglobulinaemia (MC group) received a 12-month course interferon (3 MU three times week, subcutaneously). Nonresponders or relapsers to this were treated plus ribavirin (1200 mg/day, orally) for 12-months. 226 without cryoglobulins studied comparison (Hepatitis group). Serial quantification serum HCV-RNA performed. Results : In MC group, 10 18 (55%) receiving showed an end treatment response, but at follow-up, only five (28%) had sustained response. In hepatitis 91 (47%) response 42 (20%) group alanine transaminase, cryocrit rheumatoid factor decreased significantly responders, improvement dissapearance MC-associated manifestations. Alanine increased reappeared. retreated ribavirin. Five eight nonresponders it was them. relapsers, combined achieved four (80%). Conclusions : Interferon as monotherapy is safe effective MC. The presence does not affect infection.