Treatment of hepatitis C after kidney transplantation with combined interferon-? and Ribovirin / 第三军医大学学报

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo investigate the treatment and safety of interferon ? plus Ribovirin for chronic hepatitis C after kidney transplantation. MethodsFive patients with chronic hepatitis C after kidney transplantation were administered with interferon ? (50 ?g) subcutaneously once a week, plus Ribovirin (600 mg) orally once daily. The levels of HCV-RNA, ALT and serum creatinine in patients’ serum were monitored monthly. ResultsFour in 5 patients presented normal ALT and negative HCV-RNA in serum 12 weeks after treatment, and obtained sustained viral response 24 weeks after interferon ? plus Ribovirin therapy. During treatment, renal graft rejection did not occur. The most frequent side-effects were the decrease of leukocyte and hemoglobin, myalgia and fever, but did not influence the course of treatment. ConclusionCombination of interferon ? with Ribovirin can be a valid therapeutic option in renal transplant recipients with hepatitis C, and shows no influence on the renal function.