Objective: To determine the role of pre-treatment predictors of response in assessing outcomes to standard treatment in HCV genotype 3.
Study design: Observational study.
Place and duration of study: Department of Medicine, KRL General Hospital, Islamabad, from December 2004 to December 2006.
Methodology: All patients with positive anti-HCV and PCR genotype 3a were recruited and written and informed consent was taken. Patients were treated with standard Interferon plus Ribavirin therapy (IFN alpha-2a, 3MU t.i.w 24 weeks plus Ribavirin 1000-1200 mg/day) for 6 months. The effect of pre-treatment factors influencing outcome i.e. age, gender, weight, baseline ALT, necroinflammatory grade, fibrosis and steatosis on the final outcome were further analyzed by univariate logistic regression analysis.
Results: Response rates to standard Interferon plus Ribazole therapy were studied in 190 patients. The end-of-treatment complete response (EOTCR) was seen in 81% (n=155) of the patients, whereas 17% (n=33) were non-responders (NR). Sustained viral response (SVR) was seen in 58% (n=112) patients and 24% (n=45) were relapsers. SVR was higher in patients without steatosis (OR=2.52, 95% CI=1.356- 4.71, p=0.04). Higher SVR was seen in patients weighing less than 65 kg, as compared with weight>65 kg (OR=2.277, 95% CI=1.246-4.161, p=0.007). The other variables were not found to be significantly associated with improved SVRs.
Conclusion: Out of the studied predictors, body weight and presence of steatosis, were statistically related to treatment outcome. Pre-treatment host factors can predict response to treatment that can help in individualizing treatment and patient selection and optimize treatment outcomes.