Ribavirin treatment for patients with chronic hepatitis C: results of a placebo-controlled study.

Background/aims: Small, uncontrolled studies of ribavirin for patients with chronic hepatitis C have reported efficacy in chronic hepatitis C. We have evaluated the efficacy and safety of a 24-week course of oral ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C, compared to placebo.

Methods: A total of 114 patients were randomised to ribavirin or placebo.