Viral kinetics during the first weeks of pegylated interferon and ribavirin treatment can identify patients at risk of relapse after its discontinuation: new strategies for such patients?

摘要

Pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin is the most effective treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) hepatitis, but the rate of sustained virological response (SVR) remains approximately 50%, and 15–20% of all treated patients have a virological relapse after completing the treatment. Studies on the SVR have failed to discriminate between non-responders and relapsers.