Safety and efficacy of Hansenula-derived PEGylated-interferon alpha-2a and ribavirin combination in chronic hepatitis C Egyptian children.

Aim: To investigate the safety and efficacy of a Hansenula-derived PEGylated (polyethylene glycol) interferon (IFN)-alpha-2a (Reiferon Retard) plus ribavirin customized regimen in treatment-naïve and previously treated (non-responders and relapsers) Egyptian children with chronic hepatitis C infection.

Methods: Forty-six children with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection were selected from three tertiary pediatric hepatology centers. Clinical and laboratory evaluations were undertaken.

Pegylated alpha interferon 2B plus ribavirin in the treatment of HCV genotype 4 infection.

Objective: To evaluate safety and efficacy of Peg-INF combined with ribavirin for genotype 4 infected children.

Methods: Seven children were included, five were infected parentrally, One vertically and one had both exposures. Clinical and laboratory evaluation were undertaken as well as quantitative PCR for HCV RNA before therapy at, 12, 24 and 52 weeks during treatment and one year after therapy.