Interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C patients who have not responded to interferon monotherapy

Background: The role of combination therapy is poorly defined in chronic hepatitis C patients who are non-responders to interferon. Aim: To assess the efficacy, safety and tolerance of interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C patients who do not respond to interferon monotherapy. Methods: A total of 127 non-responder patients with chronic hepatitis C received 3 mU t.i.w. of interferon alfa-2b plus 1000–1200 mg ribavirin daily for 48 weeks. Effects of therapy were evaluated by serum aminotransferases and hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels. Results: Twenty-nine (23%) patients had an end-of-treatment response. Six months after treatment, 20 (16%) patients were sustained respond…