PEG-IFN Plus Ribavirin Combination Therapy for Older Patients
PEG-IFN Plus Ribavirin Combination Therapy for Older Patients
The purpose of this study is to analyze the efficacy and safety of a combination therapy of
 pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) alpha-2b plus ribavirin (RBV) for older Japanese patients
 (≧65years old) infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) compared with younger patients(< 65
 years old).
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  A prospective study of 2270 Japanese patients aged 18 years or older treated with
 PEG-IFN alpha-2b plus RBV was done between December 2004 and July 2008.

 -  All positive for both antibody to HCV and HCV-RNA for over six months and were
 enrolled.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Clinical or biochemical evidence of hepatic decompensation.

 -  Advanced cirrhosis identified by large esophageal varices (F2 or F3).

 -  History of gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites, encephalopathy, or hepatocellular
 carcinoma.

 -  Hemoglobin level < 11.5g/L, white blood cell count < 3×10９/Ｌ，and platelet count <
 50×10９/Ｌ.

 -  Concomitant liver disease other than hepatitis C(hepatitis B surface antigen positive
 or HIV positive).

 -  Excessive active alcohol consumption > 60 g/day or drug abuse.

 -  Severe psychiatric disease.

 -  Antiviral or corticosteroid therapy within 12 months prior to the enrollment.