Presence of HCV RNA in hepatic tissue and effectiveness of treatment with interferon and ribavirin.

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the prognostic value of HCV RNA detection in hepatic tissue for the response to treatment with interferon alfa (IFN) and ribavirin (RIB) in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Patients And Methods: A group of 55 patients infected with HCV was examined before the commencement of treatment with IFN and RIB. In all of them HCV RNA was detected in the serum. The presence of HCV RNA in hepatic tissue was confirmed using a technique combining a new method of HCV RNA extraction from hepatic tissue and detection of HCV RNA with RT-PCR Cobas Amplicor Roche tests. The group of 55 patients received IFN (3-6 MU, 3 times a week) and RIB (800-1200 mg daily) for 6 to 12 months. The response to treatment was assessed 6 months after completion of the therapy. Sustained response (SR) was defined as absence of HCV RNA in the serum and normalization of ALT levels.

Results: The presence of HCV RNA in hepatic tissue was confirmed in 48 patients (group A), and in 7 (group B) HCV RNA was not detected in the liver. SR was observed in 17 patients from group A and 6 from group B. Significant correlation (p < 0.05) was found between detection of HCV RNA in hepatic tissue and response to IFN + RIB therapy.

Conclusions: As it follows from our results, the detection of HCV RNA in the hepatic tissue of a patient with chronic hepatitis C may be a negative prognostic factor for the patient's response to IFN + RIB therapy.