Response to pegylated interferon α-2b and ribavirin in children with chronic hepatitis C

Goals: The purpose of this communication is to report our observations on the treatment of a diverse group of adolescent patients who were chronically infected with hepatitis C and received pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Background: The currently accepted optimal therapy for adults with chronic hepatitis C is weekly injections of pegylated interferon and twice daily oral ribavirin. Information on interferon alone or in combination with ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C in children is limited. There is no published information on pegylated interferon and ribavirin in pediatric patients who previously failed interferon therapy. Report: Ten patients 11 to 18 years old received weekly pegylated interferon and twice daily ribavirin for hepatitis C. Treatment continued for 48 weeks, except for I patient with hepatitis C virus type 3a who was treated for 24 weeks and 1 patient who did not complete the course of treatment. The period of observation continued from November 2002 to December 2004. Within this group were 3 pediatric patients who had previously failed interferon therapy for hepatitis C. Results: All but 1 patient had a viral response (no detectable virus) at some time during or after the treatment. Three patients achieved sustained viral response (no detectable virus 6mo after the therapy). One patient who previously failed interferon therapy was among the sustained responders. Conclusions: In response to treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin, children and adolescents with chronic hepatitis C achieve results similar to those seen in adults. Previous antiviral therapy does not preclude positive response to pegylated interferon and ribavirin.