Predictors of response of U.S. veterans to treatment for the hepatitis C virus

摘要: The currently recommended treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is pegylated interferon alfa (PEG-INF) and ribavirin, which can be difficult to tolerate. More information about predicting sustained virologic response (SVR) may allow more informed decisions made. This retrospective observational cohort study identified predictors of SVR PEG-INF ribavirin in routine medical practice at 121 Department Veterans Affairs facilities. Among 5,944 patients infected with HCV genotypes 1, 2, or 3 who had been treated rates were 20%, 52%, 43%, respectively, discontinuation 68% (prior 48 weeks), 34% (24 41% respectively. In multivariate analysis, significant decreased likelihood genotype 1 having an being African American, clinical liver disease, diabetes, low cholesterol, hemoglobin, platelet count, a low-volume facility. Predictors increased low-level viremia, elevated ALT quotient, receiving 2A (rather than 2B). For 2 patients, increasing body mass index, prior use interferon, count negative predictors; only viremia was positive predictor. affected the SVR; its effect positive. Conclusion: whom initiated during care, multiple factors including form received affect rate patients. Few these even fewer do so (HEPATOLOGY 2007.)