Authors' objectives:

To summarise the available evidence on the use of combination therapy (ribavirin and interferon alfa) to replace interferon alfa alone for the treatment of patients with moderate hepatitis C.

Authors' recommendations: There is good evidence from randomised controlled trials that adding ribavirin to interferon alfa produces important benefits for patients, both in patients not previously treated and in those who have received interferon alfa but have relapsed. These benefits are in terms of sustained virological response (defined as absence of detectable virus in the blood six months after the end of treatment). This is an intermediate outcome measure, but it is believed to be a reliable indicator of long-term cure. Both interferon alfa on its own, and in combination with ribavirin, are expensive treatments. Treatment with combination therapy should be offered to carefully selected patients according to agreed local protocols. It should not be prolonged past three months in those who fail to respond. This is a rapidly developing field and patients should be invited to participate in research programmes investigating other aspects of treatment (including the duration and targeting of treatment and the use of new therapies).

Authors' methods: Overview

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.wihrd.soton.ac.uk

Year Published: 1999

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England

Organisation Name: Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development

Contact Address: Pauline King. Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development, Boldrewood Medical School, Bassett Crescent East, Highfield, Southampton. SO16 7PX Tel. +44 1703 595661 Fax +44 1703 595662

Copyright: Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development (WIHRD)