Predictors of sustained virological response to a 48-week course of pegylated interferon alfa-2a and ribavirin in patients infected with hepatitis C virus genotype 4.

Background And Objectives: Knowledge of the predictors of sustained viral response (SVR) to pegylated interferon (PEG-INF) alfa-2a and ribavirin (RBV) therapy in patients with hepatitis C genotype-4 (HCV-4) is crucial for selecting patients who would benefit most from therapy. We assessed the predictors of SVR to this combination therapy in Saudi patients with chronic HCV-4 infection.

Patients And Methods: This retrospective study included 148 patients with HCV-4 infection who underwent clinical, biochemical and virological assessments before treatment and at 12, 24, 48 and 72 weeks post-treatment.

Bio-enteric intragastric balloon in obese patients: a retrospective analysis of King Faisal Specialist Hospital experience.

Background: Bio-enteric intragastric balloon (BIB) insertion is gaining popularity for weight reduction in obese patients. We evaluated the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of BIB in the treatment of obesity.

Methods: A total of 173 Saudi obese patients [mean+/-SD age 34.

Sustained virologic response to peginterferon alpha-2a and ribavirin in 335 patients with chronic hepatitis C: a tertiary care center experience.

Background/aim: This retrospective study assessed the efficacy, safety, and the predictors of sustained viral response (SVR) to a 48-week-course of peginterferon alpha-2a (Pegasys) and ribavirin combination therapy in 335 consecutive Saudi patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

Materials And Methods: Clinical, biochemical, and virological parameters were collected at time 0 (pretreatment) and at 12, 24, 48, and 72 weeks posttreatment. The mean +/- SD age was 49.

Genotyping of hepatitis C virus isolates from Saudi patients by analysis of sequences from PCR-amplified core region of the virus genome.

We investigated the genotype distribution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among Saudi patients with chronic hepatitis C. Serum specimens from 119 native Saudi Arabian patients with chronic hepatitis C, as documented by serology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for HCV RNA, were used. Genotyping was performed by reverse transcription-PCR, using specific primers at the core region of HCV genome, and DNA sequencing of the resultant amplicons.