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Treatment of chronic hepatitis C in a slow responder: a case for extended therapy

Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology volume 6, pages 372–375 (2009)Cite this article

Abstract

Background. A 49-year-old white man presented to his primary-care clinic with fatigue and poor concentration. He had an enlarged liver with a minimally tender edge and was subsequently referred to our liver clinic.

Investigations. Physical examination, laboratory investigations (including tests for HCV-RNA, antibodies to hepatitis B surface and core antigens, and HBV-DNA), and liver biopsy.

Diagnosis. The patient had chronic hepatitis C infection and was a slow responder to treatment.

Management. Administration of pegylated interferon α2b plus ribavirin for 72 weeks. Escitalopram was given to manage his depression.

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Figure 1: HCV-RNA levels of the case patient during first 24 weeks of pegylated interferon α2b plus ribavirin therapy are consistent with the classification of a slow responder.

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Acknowledgements

Writing assistance was provided by T. Ibbotson and L. Brown. This assistance was funded by Schering-Plough.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Montefiore-Einstein Liver Center, Greene Medical Arts Pavilion, Bronx, NY, USA

    Paul J. Gaglio

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  1. Paul J. Gaglio
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Correspondence to Paul J. Gaglio.

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Competing interests

The author has received grant support from Schering-Plough, Roche, Gilead, Novartis and Bristol-Myers Squibb. He is on the speaker's bureau for Schering-Plough and Gilead.

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Gaglio, P. Treatment of chronic hepatitis C in a slow responder: a case for extended therapy. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 6, 372–375 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2009.65

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