Treatment of chronic he1patitis C genotype 1 with peginterferon‐ α2a (40 kDa) plus ribavirin under routine clinical practice in Spain: early prediction of sustained virological response rate

SUMMARY Background Sustained virological response rates of up to 52% have been obtained with peginterferon α2a (40 kDa) plus ribavirin in patients suffering from chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 in randomized-controlled trials. Aim To assess early virological response and its clinical utility in predicting an sustained virological response in patients suffering from chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 in routine clinical practice in Spain. Methods Treatment-naive patients received pegylated interferon α2a (40 kDa) 180 µg/week plus ribavirin 1000/1200 mg/day for 48 weeks, and were followed for a further 24 weeks. Overall, 475 patients received at least one dose of medication and were included in the efficacy population. Results The overall sustained virological response rate was 48%. Of those with week 12 virological data, 83% had an early virological response. The negative predictive value of an early virological response was 93%. Conclusion If sustained virological response is the goal, a treatment-decision based on a 12-week evaluation during routine clinical practice is feasible.