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R A N N S Ó K N
ENGLISH SUMMARY
Background/Aims: Hepatitis C is a major cause of chronic liver disease
and cirrhosis in Western countries. Its treatment aims at eradicating the
virus and patients are considered cured if the virus is undetectable by
PCR in blood 12-24 weeks after end of treatment (sustained virological
response, SVR). The aim of this study is to investigate the results of
treating hepatitis C in Iceland during the period 2002-2012.
Materials and methods: Retrospective study including all patients
with hepatitis C receiving treatment with peginterferone and ribavirin
at Landspitali University hospital during the period 2002-2012. Pati-
ents who had been treated previously were excluded. Information was
obtained from medical records and the hospital pharmacy.
Results: A total of 207 patients were included, 136 (66%) males and
71 (34%) females. Mean age was 38 years (range 17-66). Genotyping
revealed that 71 (34%) patients had genotype 1, 135 (65%) genotype 3
and one genotype 2. A total of 147 (71%) patients achieved SVR. The
rate of SVR was 77.8% for genotype 3 and 57.7% for genotype 1. 9
patients (4%) had cirrhosis and 3 of them had SVR. Of 161 patients who
finished treatment per protocol, 87.5% and 77.1% with genotypes 3 and
1 respectively had SVR.
Conclusions: The study demonstrates higher rates of SVR in clinical
practice in Iceland compared to controlled clinical trials. The improved
effectiveness may be explained by younger patient population, low rate
of cirrhosis and close follow-up of patients.
Treatment of hepatitis C with peginterferon and ribavirin in Iceland from 2002-2012
Benedikt Friðriksson1, Óttar Már Bergmann2, Sigurður Ólafsson2
1Department of Medicine, 2Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Landspítali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavík.
Key words: Hepatitis C, peg-interferon, sustained virological response.
Correspondence: Sigurður Ólafsson, sigurdol@landspitali.is
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