M Molaabedin, M Pedarzadeh,
Volume 19, Issue 6 (3-2012)
Abstract
Introduction: Determining virus genotype is a major factor for initiation of treatment because various kinds of genotypes need different antiviral drugs. Distribution of hepatitis C genotype in the word is variable in each country or even in each province. So we need to determine distribution pattern of hepatitis C genotype in our region. This study was performed in referral clinic of Yazd province.
Methods: This was a descriptive study conducted between 2007 and 2010 on patients who were observed by Yazd referral clinic (the clinic for evaluating and management of patients with high risk behaviors). Ninety two patients who had positive RIBA test for hepatitis C infection were randomly selected and entered the study. Genotyping was performed using RT-PCR method. The primer was "universal primer HCV". Prevalence of various genotypes was analyzed according to gender, addiction and co- existence of HCV-HIV infection. Personal information and laboratory results were analyzed using SPSS.
Results: The most common genotype in our study was genotype 3a (65% of cases), followed by 1a (35%). Globally 83% of patients were IV drug addict. Genotype distribution in these patients was similar to others. Fifteen patients had co-infection of HCV-HIV, and 47% of them were contaminated by genotype 1a and 53% with 3a. We could not find any patient contaminated with genotypes 2 or 4. No other genotypes except 1 & 3 or mixed genotype infection could be determined in our patients. Twenty three percent of patients had negative PCR despite positive RIBA test. This indicates that self improvement from acute hepatitis C infection in IV drug addict patients is similar to other people.
Conclusion: According to the results of our study, about 2/3 of patients were infected by genotype 3a. This kind of chronic hepatitis C shows a better response to treatment comparing genotype 1a (or 1b) with shorter duration and lower cost drugs. But despite higher incidence of genotype 3a, we can not start chronic hepatitis C therapy without knowing virus genotype. Determination of genotype is mandatory for the initiation of specific antiviral treatment.
M Akhondi Meybodi , H Salman Roughani , M Amirbigi, R Azizi,
Volume 20, Issue 1 (5-2012)
Abstract
Introduction: Based on data from recent trials, peginterferon and ribavirin combination therapy is the standard of care in treating patients with chronic HCV infection, but because of high costs, many patients may deprive from treatment.
Methods: We conducted a clinical trial on HCV patients in Yazd in gastroenterology clinic. Thirty patients received conventional subcutaneous interferon alfa-2b (PDferon B®,PooyeshDarou, Tehran, Iran) at a dose of 3 million units three times per week plus oral ribavirin 1000 mg, and 30 patients received PEG IFN -2a (Pegasys: Roche company)180 mcg weekly plus ribavirin 1000 mg/day. Patients with genotype 1 were treated for 48 weeks and those with genotypes 2 and 3 were treated for 24 weeks. Ribavirin was used according to weight based regimen. Sustained virological response(SVR) was the primary objective outcome. Two groups were matched for age, sex and BMI.
Results: Three females and fifty seven males participated in the study. SVR was 93.3% in peginterferon group and 90% in conventional interferon group regardless of genotype. Frequency of genotype 1a, 1b, and 3a was 51.7 %, 3.3%, and 36.7%, respectively and in 8.3% of cases genotype was undetermined. SVR in peginterferon group with genotype 1a, 1b, 3a and undetermined genotype was 94.4%, 100%, 87.55 and 100%, respectively. SVR in conventional group with genotype 1a, 1b, 3a and undetermined genotype was 92.3%, -, 85.7% and 100%, respectively. SVR was not significantly different between two groups (p= 1). There wasn't a significant difference between two groups regarding response to treatment or side effects. The treatment cost was 3.240.000 Rls and 36.000.000 Rls in conventional interferon and peginterferon groups, respectively.
Conclusion: This study showed a continuous and acceptable response to treatment with conventional interferon and ribavirin.