Response to combination therapy of interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin in Hispanics with chronic hepatitis C.

Objective: To evaluate the response rate of Hispanics with chronic hepatitis C to combination therapy of interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin and to assess its adverse events.

Background: Hepatitis C virus may lead to chronic infection and multiple complications. Response to combination therapy of interferon plus ribavirin has been studied in many populations.

Folic acid supplementation does not prevent ribavirin-induced anemia.

Treatment of chronic hepatitis C consists of inteferon plus ribavirin. The major adverse effect of ribavirin is hemolytic anemia, a complication that limits therapy. Folic acid supplementation is used to improve erythropoiesis in chronic hemolytic anemia.