Weight loss in HCV patients can be used as a surrogate marker for evaluation of interferon [IFN-alpha] treatment efficacy - a prospective pilot study

ABSTRACT

The aim of the study was to investigate whether weight loss followed the same pattern in HCV patients ['responders' and 'non-responders] after interferon [IFN-alpha] treatment. A total of 20 male HCV positive patients [mean age 33.1 +/- 9.9] in Peshawar, Pakistan participated in this study. They were initially tested as HCV positive, and were given IFN/Ribavarin treatment for 6 months. Changes in body weight [BW], lean body mass [LBM] and body fat [BF] were monitored on monthly basis. End to treatment response [ETR] was established by a final undetectable HCV RNA in serum at the end of therapy and the patients were categorized as either 'responders' or 'non-responders'. The results show a total of 12 out of 20 patients as 'responders' [60%]. All patients lost weight and the mean weight loss in 'responders' and 'non-responders' was 6.2 [ +/- 1.5] and 5.8 [ +/- 1.4] Kg, respectively. There was a significant difference in the mean change in BW, LBM, and BF between 'responders' and 'non-responders' during the last 3 month period only. This suggests that difference in drug response in HCV starts from month 4 and onwards [i.e. during the last 3 months]. In conclusion, weight trends during treatment should be monitored as weight loss may be used as a surrogate marker for ERT to the current standard of care.