Response to interferon therapy in HCV patients in private clinic

Aim: to determine response of hcv patients to conventional interferon therapy and also identify genotype in non-responders. methods: a prospective study of patients presenting with hepatitis c infection from jan 2008 to dec 2012 was performed. 716 patients were enrolled,513 patients completed the study. they were treated with a combination of interferon alpha 2b (3 mu subcutaneously three injections weekly) and ribavirin (800-1200 mg orally daily in divided doses). treatment was administered for 24 weeks,end of the treatment response (etr) were recorded and pts were followed for additional 6-24 months thereafter. results: out of 513 patients who completed study,78% patients were between 21 to 50 years of age. commonest clinical feature were anemia 38.6%,generalized body aches 31.7%,and leg pains 23%. alt was minimally high (31% of patients). 67% responded to treatment. most common genotype found was 3a (53.6%) and 3b (12.3%) along with untypeable 21% in non-responders and relapses. conclusion: the response rate to conventional interferon therapy was 67%. majority of patients who relapsed were having genotype 3a or untypeable genotypes suggesting the probability of genetic mutations.