Evaluation of Temporal Virological Responses to Interferon-α-2b Plus Ribavirin Among Genotype 3a Hepatitis C Virus-Infected Patients

Objectives: The present study aimed to examine the impact of rapid virological response (RVR) and early virological response (EVR) on sustained virological response (SVR) in chronic hepatitis C genotype 3a individuals.

Methods: The patients were given antiviral therapy with IFN-α-2b, 3 million units 3 times a week and 800-1,200 mg of ribavirin daily adjusted to the patient's body weight (<60 kg 800 mg day-1, and >60 kg 1,200 day-1). The patients received this combination therapy for 24 weeks. The patients were evaluated for their viral load at week 4, 12, and 24 using RT-PCR.

Results: Out of 1,471 patients, 43.3% showed a negative viral load in week 4, demonstrating RVR, whereas 56.6% maintained a high viral load. These were further separated based on viral reduction in their plasma: either negative for HCV-RNA at week 12 (n = 575), manifesting EVR, or showing a 2-log reduction in HCV viral load classified as partial EVR (PEVR; n = 259). The PEVR response was less (29.7%) compared with RVR (85.9%) and EVR (69.0%), although nonresponders were found in both groups.

Conclusions: Individuals incompliant with their treatment who have a higher RVR significantly influence their SVR towards a better remission that can be treated within a short duration with standard treatment.