Treatment of chronic hepatitis C in children with pegylated interferon α2a and ribavirin--a multi-center study.

Pegylated interferon α and ribavirin in treatment of chronic hepatitis C in children is used rarely. The aim of the study was to find prognostic factors for sustained virological response and to analyze the safety of pegylated interferon α2a and ribavirin in children with chronic hepatitis C. The study covered a group of 44 children, mean age 14 years, with diagnosed chronic hepatitis C. Clinical, biochemical and virological parameters, as well as side effects were evaluated. Combined treatment allowed to obtain sustained virological response in a total of 77.5% of the treated children. Lower viral load and lower fibrosis grade contributed to sustained virological response. The response was not gender-related. The best response is obtained in children whose treatment was started after they attained the age of 10 years. Therapy with pegylated interferon α2a and ribavirin is well tolerated by pediatric patients.