Adding ribavirin to interferon alpha-2b for chronic hepatitis C infection increased virological response and nausea.

Patients 100 patients (mean age 40 y, 62% men) who had increased aminotransferase concentrations for >6 months, serum antibodies to HCV found by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and a diagnosis of chronic hepatitis on a liver biopsy sample in the previous 12 months. Exclusion criteria included previous treatment with interferon á-2b or ribavirin, decompensated cirrhosis, autoimmune hepatitis, chronic hepatitis B infection, HIV infection, current intravenous drug use, liver disease related to drug use, or pregnancy.