Treatment of chronic hepatitis C in a slow responder: a case for extended therapy

Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2009 Jun;6(6):372-5. doi: 10.1038/nrgastro.2009.65.

Abstract

Background: A 49-year-old white man presented to his primary-care clinic with fatigue and poor concentration. He had an enlarged liver with a minimally tender edge and was subsequently referred to our liver clinic.

Investigations: Physical examination, laboratory investigations (including tests for HCV-RNA, antibodies to hepatitis B surface and core antigens, and HBV-DNA), and liver biopsy.

Diagnosis: The patient had chronic hepatitis C infection and was a slow responder to treatment.

Management: Administration of pegylated interferon alpha2b plus ribavirin for 72 weeks. Escitalopram was given to manage his depression.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Drug Resistance, Viral
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / drug therapy*
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / pathology
  • Humans
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha / administration & dosage*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polyethylene Glycols / administration & dosage*
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Ribavirin / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Ribavirin
  • peginterferon alfa-2b