Re-treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 4 infection with pegylated interferon and ribavirin: a meta-analysis

摘要

BackgroundAn estimated 170 million people worldwide are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV genotype 4 (HCV-4)—the most prevalent hepatitis C strain in the Middle East and Africa—is difficult to treat, with an estimated sustained virological response (SVR) of 53% when using pegylated interferon and ribavirin (P/R) in treatment-naïve patients with HCV-4 infection. In regions where access to direct-acting antivirals is limited, re-treatment of patients who failed therapy with another course of P/R may be an option if the success rate is acceptable.