EFFICACYAND SAFETY OF INTERFERON ALPHA 2 B PLUS RIBAVIRIN COMBINATION IN CHRONIC HEPATITIS C PATIENTS WITH PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS
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Abstract
Objective: To assess the efficacy of combination therapy of interferon alpha-2b plus Ribavirin in patients
of chronic hepatitis C and pulmonary TB
Material and Methods: This retrospective study comprised of personal series of patients in
Gastroenterology Unit, HMC Peshawar and Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals Swat, from June 1999 to
December 2002. Records of chronic hepatitis C and pulmonary TB, were analyzed for base-line
parameters, response rates, and any adverse effects. Standard anti-TB was given uninterrupted along with
close monitoring of all the patients.
Results: This study was conducted on 22 males and 11 females (33 patients) with chronic hepatitis C and
pulmonary tuberculosis.
End-treatment response:
Sustained viral response:
Serum ALT levels remained normal and HCV-RNA PCR remained undetectable
at the end of 6 months follow-up period in 15 out of 22 male patients (68.18%), as compared to 8 out of
11 female patients (72.72%), (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: We conclude that Interferon plus Ribavirin combination therapy is an effective and safe
therapy in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C patients having pulmonary TB.
serum ALT levels became normal in 18 out of 22 male patients (81.81%), as
compared to 10 out of 11 female patients (90.90%), (P > 0.05). Serum HCV-RNA became negative in 17
out of 22 male patients (77.27%), as compared to 9 out of 11 female patients (81.81%), (P > 0.05).
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