Interferón alfa 2b recombinante más ribavirina en el tratamiento de la hepatitis crónica C

the hepatitis c virus becomes in leading cause of chronic hepatitis, hepatic cirrhosis, hepatocarcinoma and liver transplant at world level. objective: the aim of present study is to determine the virological, biochemical and histological course of patients presenting with chronic hepatitis c under a combination of recombinant interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin and to identify the main factors associated with the rates obtained of virological response. methods: a non-controlled and multicenter phase iv clinical-therapeutical trial was sponsored by the institute of gastroenterology and the genetics and biotechnology engineering center from may, 2002 to may, 2006. sample included 122 patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis c fulfilling the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. recombinant interferon alfa-2b (3 millions of t.i.d units) was used plus ribavirin (1000 or 1200 mg daily depending on the body weight) during 48 weeks. results: we achieved a sustained biochemical and virological response rate of 32.8 and 50.8 %, respectively at week 72. a 41.3,% from the total of patients had a histological improvement at the expense of reduction of fibrosis and a few changes in inflammation level. conclusions: raking into account the global response rate achieved this combined treatment was considered effectiveness for chronic hepatitis c and we recommended to deepen in the knowledge of infection in cuba, as well as in more efficient treatment options for this disease.