- 116: J Hepatol. 2005 May;42(5):632-8
Treatment with peg-interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin of hepatitis C virus-associated mixed cryoglobulinemia: a pilot study.
Mazzaro C, Zorat F, Caizzi M, Donada C, Di Gennaro G, Maso LD, Carniello G, Virgolini L, Tirelli U, Pozzato G.
Department of Internal Medicine, Pordenone General Hospital, Via Montereale 24, 33170 Pordenone (PN), Italy; Division of Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano (PN), Italy.
BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study is to verify the efficacy and safety of peg-interferon alfa-2b in combination with ribavirin for initial treatment of HCV-associated mixed cryoglobulinemia. METHODS: Eighteen patients (7 women and 11 men) affected by mixed cryoglobulinemia were included in the study and treated with peg-interferon alfa-2b 1.0mug/kg once a week plus ribavirin (1000mg daily) for 48 weeks, regardless of the HCV genotype. RESULTS: At the end of the treatment HCV-RNA became undetectable in 15 patients (83%) and most patients improved clinically. One subject suspended treatment at 13th week due to depression. A large fraction of the patients (8 cases: 44%) relapsed both virologically and clinically a few weeks after the end of therapy. At the end of follow-up, only eight patients (44%) obtained a sustained virological response. CONCLUSIONS: Peg-interferon alfa-2b in combination with ribavirin seems safe and useful for patients affected by mixed cryoglobulinemia, but not as effective as in patients with HCV-positive chronic hepatitis without cryoglobulinemia.