Efficacy of Conventional Interferon alpha–2 b plus Ribavirin combination in the treatment of chronic Hepatitis C naive patients

Objective: To assess the efficacy of combination therapy of Conventional interferon alpha-2b plus ribavirin in patients of chronic hepatitis C. Methods: Records of 65 patients (43 males and 22 females) of chronic hepatitis C treated with combination therapy of interferon alpha-2b plus ribavirin from January 2003 to December 2003 were analyzed for base-line parameters, response rates and any adverse effects. Results: End-treatment response was found in 86.04% male patients and 86.36% female patients. Sustained response was found in 81.39% male patients and 86.36% female patients. Conclusions: The study shows that conventional interferon plus ribavirin combination therapy remains an effective therapy in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C naive patients in our set-up. (Rawal Med J 2005;30:9-11).