In:
Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Wiley, Vol. 19, No. 11 ( 2004-11), p. 1312-1317
Abstract:
Background and Aim: Interferon and ribavirin combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C produces hemolytic anemia. This study was conducted to identify the factors contributing to ribavirin‐induced anemia. Methods: Eighty‐eight patients with chronic hepatitis C who received interferon‐α‐2b at a dose of 6 MU administered intramuscularly for 24 weeks in combination with ribavirin administered orally at a dose of 600 mg or 800 mg participated in the study. A hemoglobin concentration of 〈 10 g/dL was defined as ribavirin‐induced anemia. Results: Ribavirin‐induced anemia occurred in 18 (20.5%) patients during treatment. A 2 g/dL decrease in hemoglobin concentrations in patients with anemia was observed at week 2 after the start of treatment. The hemoglobin concentration in patients with ≥2 g/dL decrease at week 2 was observed to be significantly lower even after week 2 than in patients with 〈 2 g/dL decrease ( P 〈 0.01). A significant relationship was observed between the rate of reduction of hemoglobin concentrations at week 2 and the severity of anemia ( P 〈 0.01). Such factors as sex (female), age (≥60 years old), and the ribavirin dose by body weight (12 mg/kg or more) were significant by univariate analysis. Conclusions: Careful administration is necessary in patients ≥60 years old, in female patients, and in patients receiving a ribavirin dose of 12 mg/kg or more. Patients who experience a fall in hemoglobin concentrations of 2 g/dL or more at week 2 after the start of treatment should be monitored with particular care.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0815-9319
,
1440-1746
DOI:
10.1111/jgh.2004.19.issue-11
DOI:
10.1111/j.1440-1746.2004.03459.x
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2004
detail.hit.zdb_id:
632882-9
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2006782-3
Permalink