Evaluation of 53 Cases With Chronic Hepatitis C Receiving Telaprevir-Based Triple Therapy

Objective: We aimed to evaluate results of telaprevir, pegylated interferon and ribavirin treatment of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b infection. Methods: We evaluated results of telaprevir-based triple therapy in treatment-experienced 53 chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients followed in five hospitals in Gaziantep, retrospectively. Demographic data of patients, adverse events, treatment indications, sustained virologic response (SVR) rates and outcomes were recorded. Results: 43 (81.1%) of 53 patients with HCV genotype 1 infection included in the study completed the treatment. Of patients treated, 44 (83%) had had a relapse and 9 (17%) were previous non-responders. Telaprevir-based triple therapy achieved SVR in 31 (58.5%) patients. Pruritus, rash, anemia and anorectal discomfort were main adverse effects. Blood transfusion and ribavirin dose reduction were required for 19 and 13 patients, respectively. Of patients, 10 (18.9%) discontinued therapy because of severe adverse effects. Conclusions: Despite of more severe and frequent adverse effects, telaprevir-based therapy has provided SVR in more than a half of patients with CHC for both relapse and non-responder patient groups before an era of new direct acting antiviral agents.