High sustained response rate in patients with histologically mild (low grade and stage) chronic hepatitis C infection. A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial of interferon alpha-2b with and without ribavirin.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of therapy for patients with histologically mild hepatitis C virus (HCV) liver disease.

Design: A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trial of interferon alpha-2b with or without ribavirin.

Setting: Regional and university hospitals.