Interferon-gamma With Interferon Alpha and Ribavirin for Hepatitis C Non-responders
Interferon-gamma With Interferon Alpha and Ribavirin for Hepatitis C Non-responders
When administered simultaneously, interferon-alpha 2b + interferon-gamma result in dramatic
 antiviral synergy.Ribavirin has shown to enhance interferon-gamma levels in patients with
 chronic hepatitis C treated with interferon-alpha. Enhancement of immune responses,
 especially those related to type-1 T helper cell activity, may contribute to better efficacy
 in combining ribavirin with IFN-alpha for treatment of chronic hepatitis C. The aim of the
 present study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a triple regimen, a combination
 treatment with Interferon gamma, Interferon alfa-2b plus Ribavirin in patients who have not
 previously responded to interferon alpha in combination of ribavirin.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Non-responders and relapsers to previous interferon and ribavirin therapy given for
 six months

 -  HCV genotype 3

 -  Compensated liver disease

 -  Hb ≥10 g/dl (females),≥11 g/dl (males)

 -  Platelets count ≥ 100,000 / cubic mm

 -  Neutrophils count ≥1,500/cubic mm

 -  ≥18 years to ≤ 70 years.

 -  At least one abnormal ALT value in the last year.

 -  TSH level within normal limits.

 -  Non pregnant adult females.

 -  Absence of drug or alcohol abuse.

 -  Informed consent given by the patient

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Patient younger than 18 yrs and older than 70 yrs.

 -  Hepatitis B or HIV co-infection.

 -  Severe renal dysfunction or creatinine clearance less than 50 ml/min

 -  Pregnant women or breast feeding women.

 -  Suspected hypersensitivity to Interferon alpha, gamma or ribavirin.

 -  Decompensated liver cirrhosis.

 -  History or any other evidence of other causes of CLD other than hepatitis C infection
 ( like hemochromatosis,, autoimmune hepatitis, metabolic liver disease, alcoholic
 liver disease, toxin exposure, Wilson's disease,Drug induced liver disease)

 -  Active malignant disease.

 -  Any known pre-existing medical condition that could interfere with subject's
 participation or completion of study such as psychiatric condition, seizures disorder
 requiring medications, co existing heart diseases, lung diseases, poorly controlled
 diabetes, auto immune diseases, gout)

 -  History of interferon and/or ribavirin intolerance