Ribavirin monotherapy for chronic hepatitis C

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

Volumn , Issue 4, 2009, Pages

  Brok, Jesper ^a   Gluud, Lise Lotte ^a   Gluud, Christian ^a  

^a Mental Health Services CPH   (Denmark)

Author keywords

Anemia chemically induced ; Antiviral agents adverse effects; *therapeutic use ; Hepatitis C, chronic *drug therapy; virology ; Humans; Interferons therapeutic use ; Randomized controlled trials as topic; Ribavirin adverse effects; *therapeutic use ; Viral load drug effects

Indexed keywords

ALANINE AMINOTRANSFERASE; ASPARTATE AMINOTRANSFERASE; INTERFERON; PLACEBO; RIBAVIRIN; VIRUS RNA;

ALANINE AMINOTRANSFERASE BLOOD LEVEL; ANEMIA; ASPARTATE AMINOTRANSFERASE BLOOD LEVEL; CLINICAL TRIAL; DISEASE COURSE; DRUG EFFECT; DRUG TOLERABILITY; ENZYME ACTIVITY; HEALTH CARE COST; HEPATITIS C; HEPATITIS C VIRUS; HUMAN; LIVER BIOPSY; LIVER DISEASE; MONOTHERAPY; OUTCOME ASSESSMENT; QUALITY OF LIFE; QUESTIONNAIRE; REVIEW; RISK ASSESSMENT; TREATMENT DURATION; TREATMENT INDICATION; TREATMENT OUTCOME; VIRUS LOAD;

EID: 77950161828     PISSN: 1469493X     EISSN: None     Source Type: Journal    
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005527.pub2     Document Type: Review

References (195)

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2. * Bodenheimer HC, Lindsay KL, Davis GL, Lewis JH, Thung SN, Seeff LB. Tolerance and efficacy of oral ribavirin treatment of chronic hepatitis C: a multicenter trial. Hepatology 1997;26(2):473-7. [MEDLINE: 97394443; : PMID: 9252161]
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11. Felipe 2000 {published data only} Felipe M, Silva EA, Lopes EP, Figueiredo VM, Cruz CN, Oliveira PM, et al.A prospective and randomised study using ribavirin as monotherapy for the treatment of naive patients with chronic hepatitis C. Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases 2000;4(4):183-91.
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13. Hoofnagle 2003 {published data only} Hoofnagle JH, Ghany MG, Kleiner DE, Doo E, Heller T, Promrat K, et al.Maintenance therapy with ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C who fail to respond to combination therapy with interferon alfa and ribavirin. Hepatology 2003;38(1):66-74.
14. Kakumu 1993b {published data only} * Kakumu S, Yoshioka K, Ishikawa T, Higashi Y, Yamada M, Takayanagi M, et al.Ribavirin and IFN-beta treatment for chronic hepatitis C (abstract). Hepatology 1992;16(2 Pt 2):68A.
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17. Pawlotsky 2004 {published data only} Castéra L, Germanidis G, Frainais PO, Hézole C, Dhumeaux D, Pawlotsky JM. Early changes in HCV hypervariable region 1 (HVR1) and non structural (NS) 5A gene quasispecies during interferon (IFN)-alpha or ribavirin treatment: clues to the mechanisms of HCV resistance to antiviral therapy (abstract). Hepatology 1998;28(4 Pt 2):288A.
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20. Sostegni 1998 {published data only} Sostegni R, Ghisetti V, Pittaluga F, Marchiaro G, Rocca G, Borghesio E, et al.Sequential versus concomitant administration of ribavirin and interferon alfa-n3 in patients with chronic hepatitis C not responding to interferon alone: results of a randomized, controlled trial. Hepatology 1998;28(2):341-6. [MEDLINE: 98359166; : PMID: 9695995]
21. Stanimirovic 2002 {published data only} Stanimirovic V, Nikolic D, Stanimirovic B, Nikolic A, Cucak S. Evaluation of ribavirin efficacy and tolerance in subjects with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Vojnosanitetski Pregled 2002;59(5):479-84.
22. Veldt 2003 {published data only} Veldt BJ, Brouwer JT, Adler M, Nevens F, Michielsen P, Delwaide J, et al.Retreatment of hepatitis C non-responsive to interferon. A placebo controlled randomized trial of ribavirin monotherapy versus combination therapy with Ribavirin and Interferon in 121 patients in the Benelux. BMC Gastroenterology 2003;3(1):24.
23. Abergel 1999 {published data only} Abergel A, Bonny C, Henquell C, Aublet-Cuvelier B, Ughetto S, Martineau N, et al.Treatment of severe hepatitis C: interferon + ribavirine vs interferon (abstract). Hepatology 1999;30(4 Pt 2):267A.
24. Adinolfi 2000 {published data only} Adinolfi LE, Tonziello A, Utili R, Andreana A, Marracino M, Sarnataro G, et al.High response rates to interferon induction plus ribavirin and amantadine in the treatment of interferon nonresponder chronic hepatitis C patients: a randomized controlled pilot study (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 2000;32(2 Suppl):107S.
25. Andreone 1999a {published data only} Andreone P, Cursaro C, Gramenzi A, Fiorino S, di Giammarino L, Miniero R, et al.Interferon alpha plus ketoprofen or interferon alpha plus ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C non-responder to interferon alpha alone: results of a pilot study. Italian Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 1999;31(8):688-94. [MEDLINE: 20192804]
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27. Andreone 2000 {published data only} Andreone P, Cursaro C, Gramenzi A, Margotti M, Ferri E, Talarico S, et al.High dose of interferon a (IFN) plus ribavirin (RIBA) for 6 or 12 months in non responder (NR) patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC): Results of a randomized trial. Journal of Hepatology 2000;32(2 Suppl):115S.
28. Antignano 1999 {published data only} Antignano LV, Wu GU, Krawitt EL, Kimby AE, Malamood HS, Notis W, et al.Preliminary results of a nynest interferon-ribavirin treatment trial in chronic hepatitis C patients not previously treated with interferon (abstract). Hepatology 1999;30(4 Pt 2):635A.
29. Ascione 1998 {published data only} Ascione A, de Luca M, Guardascione MA, Canestrini C, Galeota Lanza A, Astritto S, et al.Interferon plus ribavirin vs interferon alone in HCV chronic liver disease non responder to a previous cycle of interferon alone (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 1998;28(1 Suppl):198S.
30. Bacon 1998 {published data only} Bacon BR, Rauscher JA, Amith-Wilkaitis NL, Randall DC, Koehler KM, Di Bisceglie AM. Interferon-ribavirin combination is successful in eliminating hepatitis C virus in non-responders to interferon alone including patients with normal aminotransferases (abstract). Hepatology 1998;28(4 Pt 2):372A.
31. Bailey 1997 {published data only} Bailey RJ, Meyer DL. A preliminary study of short course of ribavirin and alpha interferon in treatment of chronic active hepatitis C not responding to alpha interferon alone (abstract). Hepatology 1997;26(4 Pt 2):476A.
32. Baracetti 2000 {published data only} Baracetti S, Colle R, Gregotti M, Nascimben F, Virgilli F, Zorat F, et al.Randomized trial of combination therapy in relapser or nonresponder HCV patients (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 2000;32(2 Suppl):107S.
33. Barbaro 1998a {published data only} Barbaro G, Di Lorenzo G, Soldini M, Giancaspro G, Bellomo G, Belloni G, et al.Interferon-alpha-2B and ribavirin in combination for chronic hepatitis C patients not responding to interferon-alpha alone: an Italian multicenter, randomized, controlled, clinical study. American Jounal of Gastroenterology 1998;93(12):2445-51. [MEDLINE: 99075750; : PMID: 9860407]
34. Barbaro 1998b {published data only} Barbaro G, Belloni G, Ferrari L, Di Lorenzo G, Soldini M, Giancaspro G, et al.Alpha interferon 2b plus ribavirin in CHC relapser or not responder patients to alpha interferon 2b alone: an Italian multicenter randomized controlled clinical study (abstract). Hepatology 1998;28(4 Pt 2):476A.
35. Barbaro 1999 {published data only} Barbaro G, Di Lorenzo G, Belloni G, Ferrari L, Paiano A, Del Poggio P, et al.Interferon alpha-2B and ribavirin in combination for patients with chronic hepatitis C who failed to respond to, or relapsed after, interferon alpha therapy: a randomized trial. American Journal of Medicine 1999;107(2):112-8. [MEDLINE: 99387796; : PMID: 10460040]
36. Barbaro 2000a {published data only} Barbaro G, Di Lorenzo G, Soldini M, Giancaspro G, Pellicelli A, Grisorio B, et al.Evaluation of efficacy of interferon alpha-2b and ribavirin in combination in naive patients with chronic hepatitis C: an Italian multicenter experience. Journal of Hepatology 2000;33:448-55.
37. Bekkering 2000 {published data only} Bekkering FC, Hansen BE, Brouwer JT, Niesters HGM, Schalm SW. Effect of daily versus twice daily high dose IFN and ribavirin treatment on HCV kinetics (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 2000;32(2 Suppl):101S.
38. Bell 1999 {published data only} Bell H, Hellum K, Harthug S, Myrvang B, Ritland S, Maeland A, et al.Treatment with interferon-alpha2a alone or interferon-alpha2a plus ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C previously treated with interferon-alpha2a. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology 1999;34(2):194-8. [MEDLINE: 99401091; : PMID: 10470088]
39. Belli 2001 {published data only} Belli LS, Alberti AB, Rondinara GF, de Carlis L, Corti A, Mazza E, et al.Early ribavirin treatment and avoidance of corticosteroids in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive liver transplant recipients: interim report of a prospective randomized trial. Transplantation Proceedings 2001;33(1-2):1353-4.
40. Bellobouno 1997 {published data only} Bellobuono A, Mondazzi L, Tempini S, Silini E, Vicari F, Idéo G. Ribavirin and interferon-alpha combination therapy vs interferonalpha alone in the retreatment of chronic hepatitis C: a randomized clinical trial. Journal of Viral Hepatitis 1997;4(3):185-91. [MEDLINE: 97325474; : PMID: 9181527]
41. Bellobouno 1998 {published data only} Bellobuono A, Tempini S, Mondazzi L, di Napoli M, Idéo G. Twelve month combination treatment with ribavirin and alpha IFN in patients affected by chronic hepatitis C unresponsive to alpha IFN: comparison of three different schedules (abstract). Hepatology 1998;28(4 Pt 2):479A.
42. Bellobouno 1999 {published data only} Bellobuono A, Tempini S, Mondazzi L, Brasca P, Marino F, Ideo G. Twelve month retreatment with IFN and ribavirin or IFN alone in relapser patients with chronic hepatitis C (abstract). Hepatology 1999;30(4 Pt 2):263A.
43. Bellobuono 1995 {published data only} Bellobuono A, Tempini S, Bellati G, Asti L, Ideo G. Ribavirin followed by alpha interferon in chronic hepatitis C resistant to therapy (abstract). Gastroenterology 1995;108(4 Suppl):1033S.
44. Bellobuono 2000a {published data only} Bellobuono A, Mondazzi L, Tempini S, Chiodo F, Magliano E, Furione L, et al.Early addition of ribavirin to interferon in chronic hepatitis C not responsive to interferon monotherapy. Journal of Hepatology 2000;33:463-8.
45. Bellobuono 2000b {published data only} Bellobbuono A, Tempini S, Grimoldi D, Idéo GM, Mondazzi L, Brasca P, et al.Effect of 12 month aIFN and ribavirin combination therapy in chronic hepatitis C unresponsive to aIFN (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 2000;32(2 Suppl):178S.
46. Bellobuono 2000c {published data only} Bellobuono A, Tempini S, Idèo GM, Brasca P, Mondazzi L, Antonelli G, et al.aIFN and ribavirin combination therapy reduces the occurrence of breakthrough in chronic hepatitis C (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 2000;32(Suppl 2):111.
47. Benetti 2001 {published data only} Benetti G, Ramella G, Tagger A, Ribero ML, Tortora M, Borzio M, et al.IFN alpha 2B and ribavirin in naive patients with HCV type 1 chronic hepatitis: results after 6 months threapy (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 2001;34(1):357A.
48. Benhamou 2007 {published data only} Benhamou Y, Pockros P, Rodriguez-Torres M, Gordon S, Shiffman M, Lurie Y, et al.The safety and efficacy of viramidine plus PegIFN alfa-2b versus ribavirin plus PegIFN alfa-2b in therapy naive patients infected with HCV: phase 3 results (VISER1) (abstract). Journal of hepatology 2007; Vol. 44:273.
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50. Berg 2000b {published data only} Berg T, Naumann U, Wiedenmann B, Hopf U. Kinetics of hepatitis C viremia in interferon plus ribavirin treated patients (abstract). Hepatology 1998;28(4 Pt 2):373A.
51. Bernatik 2000 {published data only} Bernatik T, Klinker H, Scheurlen M, Meyer H, Norgauer W, Rambach W, et al.Interferon/ribavirin combination therapy with and without daily dosing in retreatment of chronic hepatitis C (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 2000;32(Suppl 2):187.
52. Bernstein 1998 {published data only} Bernstein DE, Khan R, Jeffers LJ, Reddy KR, Schiff ER. Low dose ribavirin (RBV) in combination interferon (IFN) for the treatment of hepatitis C non-responder and relapse patients (abstract). Hepatology 1998; Vol. 28, issue 4 Pt 2:702A.
53. Bjøro 2000 {published data only} Bjøro K, Bell H, Hellum KB, Myrvang B, Skaug K. Rapid viral clearance with IFN-a 2b induction therapy and ribavirin for chronic HCV infection (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 2000;32(2 Suppl):38S.
54. Bresci 2000 {published data only} Bresci G, Parisi G, Bertoni M, Scatena F, Capria A. Interferon plus ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C non-responders to recombinant alpha-interferon. Journal of Viral Hepatitis 2000;7(1):75-81.
55. Brillanti 1995 {published data only} Brillanti S, Foli M, Masci C, Miglioli M. Three-year follow-up of chronic hepatitis C patients treated with ribavirin plus interferonalpha combination therapy: evidence for long-term efficacy and safety (abstract). Hepatology 1996;24(4 Pt 2):395A.
56. Brillanti 1999 {published data only} Brillanti S, Foli M, Di Tomaso M, Gramantieri L, Masci C, Bolondi L. Pilot study of triple antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C in interferon alpha non-responders. Italian Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 1999;31(2):130-4. [MEDLINE: 99291377; : PMID: 10363198]
57. Brouwer 2001 {published data only} Brouwer JT, Hansen BE, Schalm SW. Low relapse rate in chronic hepatitis C treated with 18 months interferon-alpha and ribavirin as compared to 6 months combination therapy and to 18 months monotherapy. A Benelux study in 300 patients (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 2000;32(4 Pt 2):592A.
58. Bugliescu 2000 {published data only} Bugliescu L, Cojocaru L, Micu L, Copaci I. Results of associated treatment with interferon (IFN) + ribavirin in HCV active chronic hepatitis (abstract). Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2000;15(Suppl):F83.
59. Calanca 2007 {published data only} Calanca LN, Fehr T, Jochum W, Fischer-Vetter J, Müllhaupt B, Wüthrich RP, et al.Combination therapy with ribavirin and amantadine in renal transplant patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection is not superior to ribavirin alone. Journal of Clinical Virology 2007;39(1):54-8.
60. Camps 1993 {published data only} Camps J, Garcia N, Riezu BJ, Civeira MP, Prieto J. Ribavirin in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C unresponsive to alfa interferon. Journal of Hepatology 1993;19(3):408-12. [MEDLINE: 94201541; : PMID: 8151102]
61. Caremani 1996 {published data only} Caremani M, Benci A, Castellacci R, Tacconi D. A randomised controlled trial of leukocyte IFN-alpha+ribavirin in HCV chronic hepatitis relapsing patients (abstract). Hepatology 1996;24(4 Pt 2): 395A. [: CN-00186171]
62. Cattral 1999 {published data only} Cattral MS, Hemming AW, Wanless IR, Al-Ashgar H, Krajden M, Lilly L, et al.Outcome of long-term ribavirin therapy for recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation. Transplantation 1999;67(9):1277-80. [MEDLINE: 99271750; : PMID: 10342322]
63. Cavaletto 2000 {published data only} Cavalletto L, Chemello L, Donada C, Casarin P, Belussi F, Bernardinello E, et al.The pattern of response to interferon alpha (alpha-IFN) predicts sustained response to a 6-month alpha-IFN and ribavirin retreatment for chronic hepatitis C. TVVH Study Group. Journal of Hepatology 2000;33(1):128-34. [MEDLINE: PMID: 10905596, UI: 20361531]
64. Chapman 2001 {published data only} Chapman BA, Stace NH, Edgar CL, Bartlett SE, Frampton CMA, Scahill SL, et al.Interferon-alpha 2a/Ribavirin versus interferonalpha 2a alone for the retreatment of hepatitis C patients who relapse after standard course of interferon. New Zealand Medical Journal 2001;114(1128):103-4.
65. Cheinquer 1998 {published data only} Cheinquer H, Coelho-Borges S, Cheinquer N, Lunge V, Ikuta N, Fonseca A. Sustained response in chronic hepatitis C patients after six months of interferon or interferon and ribavirin (abstract). Hepatology 1998;28(4 Pt 2):477A.
66. Colantoni 2000 {published data only} Colantoni A, De Maria N, Idilman R, Harig J, Van Thiel DH. Racial differences in the response to antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 2000;32(2 Suppl):194S.
67. Davis 1998 {published data only} Davis GL, Esteban-Mur R, Rustgi V, Hoefs J, Gordon SC, Trepo C, et al.Interferon alfa-2b alone or in combination with ribavirin for the treatment of relapse of chronic hepatitis C. New England Journal of Medicine 1998;339(21):1493-9. [MEDLINE: UI:99025347; : PMID: 9819447]
68. De Bac 1998 {published data only} De Bac C, Pastores G, Piccinino F, Badolato MC, Tosti ME, Osso A, et al.Ribavirin and interferon retreatment of HCV chronic patients non responder to interferon (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 1998;28(Suppl 1):123.
69. De Franceschi 2000 {published data only} De Franceschi L, Fattovich G, Turrini F, Ayi K, Brugnara C, Manzato F, et al.Hemolytic anemia induced by ribavirin therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection: role of membrane oxidative damage. Hepatology 2000;31(4):997-1004. [MEDLINE: 20198173; : PMID: 10733558]
70. Dettmer 2002 {published data only} Dettmer R, Reinus JF, Clain DJ, Aytaman A, Levendoglu H, Bloom AA, et al.Interferon-alpha-2b for retreatment of chronic hepatitis C. Hepatogastroenterology 2002;49:758-63.
71. Di Bisceglie 1992 {published data only} Di Bisceglie AM, Hoofnagle JH, Krawczynski K. Changes in hepatitis C virus antigen in liver with antiviral therapy. Gastroenterology 1993;105(3):858-62. [MEDLINE: 93366134; : PMID: 7689520]
72. Di Bisceglie 1995 {published data only} Di Biscleglie AM, Fried MW, Swain MG, Bergasa NV, Yurdaydin C, Simpson LH, et al.Randomized, double blind placebocontrolled trial of ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C (abstract). Hepatology 1993;18(4 Pt 2):93A.
73. Di Marco 2000 {published data only} Di Marco V, Almasio P, Vaccaro A, Ferraro D, Parisi P, Cataldo GM, et al.Combined treatment of relapse of chronic hepatitis C with high-dose alpha2B interferon plus ribavirin for 6 or 12 months. Journal of Hepatology 2000;33:456-62.
74. Ehardt 2000 {published data only} Erhardt A, Maschner-Olberg A, Häussinger D. Treatment with interferon-a and ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C and persistently normal ALT levels (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 2000;32(2 Suppl):183S.
75. el-Zayadi 1999 {published data only} el-Zayadi A, Selim O, Hadda S, Simmmonds C, Hamdy H, Badran HM, et al.Combination treatment of interferon alpha-2b and ribavirin in comparison to interferon monotherapy in treatment of chronic hepatitis C genotype 4 patients. Italian Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 1999;31(6):472-5.
76. Ersöz 2000 {published data only} Ersöz G, Akarca US, Günsar F, Vardar R, Karasu Z, Batur Y. IFNribavirin combination therapy for patients with HCV-related decompensated cirrhosis (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 2000;32(Suppl 2):193.
77. Feher 2000 {published data only} Feher JLG, Bàlint T. The efficacy of combined interferon-alfa-2B and ribavirin therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Final reports of a multicenter study with 100 patients in Hungary (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 2000;32(Suppl 2):202.
78. Ferenci 2000 {published data only} Ferenci P, Brunner H, Vogel W, Gschwantler M, Datz Ch, Hackl F, et al.Interferon (IFN) induction therapy in combination with ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 2000;32(Suppl 2):38.
79. Ferenci 2001 {published data only} Ferenci P, Stauber R, Steindl-Mundi P, Gschwantler M, Fickert P, Datz C, et al.Treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C not responding to interferon with high-dose interferon alpha with or without ribavirin: final results of a prospective randomised trial. European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2001;13(6):699-705.
80. Fraquelli 2000 {published data only} Fraquelli M, Conte D, Prati D, Colucci A, Minola E. Chronic HCV infection in pregnant women (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 2000;32(2 Suppl):177S.
81. Gallego 2000 {published data only} Gallego A, Garcia-Samaniego J, Diago M, Pérez-Olmeda M, Valeros MD, Enriquez J. Retreatment with IFN alfa 2B + ribavirin (24 vs 48 weeks) for patients with chronic hepatitis C who relapsed or did not respond to IFN alone (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 2000;32(2 Suppl):107S.
82. Gane 1998 {published data only} Gane EJ, Lo SK, Riordan SM, Portmann BC, Lau JY, Naoumov NV, et al.A randomized study comparing ribavirin and interferon alfa monotherapy for hepatitis C recurrence after liver transplantation. Hepatology 1998;27(5):1403-7. [MEDLINE: 98240830; : PMID: 9581698]
83. Garnier 1997 {published data only} Garnier JL, Chevallier P, Dubernard JM, Trepo C, Touraine JL, Chossegros P. Treatment of hepatitis C virus infection with ribavirin in kidney transplant patients. Transplantation Proceedings 1997;29(1-2):783.
84. Gerotto 1999 {published data only} Gerotto M, Sullivan DG, Polyak SJ, Chemello L, Cavalletto L, Pontisso P, et al.Effect of retreatment with interferon alone or interferon plus ribavirin on hepatitis C virus quasispecies diversification in nonresponder patients with chronic hepatitis C. Journal of Virology 1999;73(9):7241-7.
85. Gish 1998 {published data only} Gish R, Yao F, Brooks L, Poordad G, Schulze G. A randomized trial of interferon alfa-2b, daily vs. three times a week for one month, followed by three times a week for one year in combination with ribavirin in patients who have failed a previous course of interferon (abstract). Hepatology 1998;28(4 Pt 2):574A.
86. Gish 2007 {published data only} Gish RG, Arora S, Rajender Reddy K, Nelson DR, O'Brien C, Xu Y, et al.Virological response and safety outcomes in therapy-naive patients treated for chronic hepatitis C with taribavirin or ribavirin in combination with pegylated interferon alfa-2a: a randomized, phase 2 study. Journal of Hepatology 2007;47(1):51-9.
87. Glue 2000 {published data only} Glue P, Rouzier-Panis R, Raffanel C, Sabo R, Gupta SK, Salfi M, et al.A dose-ranging study of pegylated interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C. Hepatology 2000;32(3):647-53.
88. Gross 1999a {published data only} Gross JB, Lindor KD, Abdelmalek MF, Poterucha JJ, Brandhagen DJ, Czaja AJ, et al.Interferon alpha 2b 5MU tiw with or without ribavirin as initial treatment for hepatitis C (abstract). Hepatology 1999;30(4 Pt 2):634A.
89. Gross 1999b {published data only} Gross JB, Lindor KD, Abdelmalek MF, Poterucha JJ, Brandhagen DJ, Czaja AJ, et al.Interferon alpha 2b 5MIU tiw, +/- 4-week daily interferon induction, +/- ribavirin, for re-treatment of interferon non-responders with chronic hepatitis C (abstract). Hepatology 1999;30(4 Pt 2):634A.
90. Götz 1998 {published data only} Götz G, Schön MR, Haefker A, Neuhaus R, Berg T, Hopf U, et al.Treatment of recurrent hepatitis C virus infection after liver transplantation with interferon and ribavirin. Transplantion Proceedings 1998;30(5): 2104-6. [MEDLINE: 98390849; : PMID: 9723407]
91. Harris 2000 {published data only} Harris HE, Ramsay MEB, Elridge KP. Signs and symptoms of liver disease after 10 years of infection with hepatitis C virus. Data from a national cohort of patients who acquired their infections on a known date (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 2000;32(2 Suppl):98S.
92. Herrine 1998 {published data only} Herrine SK, Conn MI, Greenfield SM, Shaw EW, Thornton JJ, Weinberg DS. Interferon alpha-2b and ribavirin for nonresponding and relapsing chronic hepatitis C - an interim analysis (abstract). Hepatology 1998;28(4 Pt 2):578A.
93. Junqing 1996 {published data only} Junqing Yi, Wanfen Wu, Daozhen Xu, Wenbin D, Yongjun Xu, Xinger L. Histologic observation on intron and ribavirin in the treatment of 22 patients with chronic hepatitis C (abstract). Chinese Journal of Infectious Diseases 1996;14(3 Suppl):179S-180S.
94. Juszezyk 2000 {published data only} Juszezyk J, Bolewska B, Cianciara J, Jablonska J, Zaborowski P, Niedzialek D, et al.Combination therapy with interferon alpha-2B and ribavirin in naive patients with chronic hepatitis C (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 2000;32(2 Suppl):199S.
95. Kallinowski 1999 {published data only} Kallinowski B, Jakob B, Schwake L, Stremmel W. Interferon and ribavirin for the treatment of relapse and nonresponse of chronic hepatitis C (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 1999;30(1 Suppl):245S.
96. Katsarou 2000 {published data only} Katsarou O, Gialeraki A, Loukopoulou H, Hatzakis A, Karafoulidou A. Combination treatment with interferon (IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) in HCV (+) HIV (-) haemophilia Pts., non responders (NR) to IFN monotherapy (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 2000;32(2 Suppl):189S.
97. Koshy 2000 {published data only} Koshy A, Marcellin P, Martinot M, Madda JP. Improved response to ribavirin interferon combination compared with interferon alone in patients with type 4 chronic hepatitis C without cirrhosis. Liver International 2000;20(4):335-9.
98. Lai 1996 {published data only} Lai MY, Kao JH, Yang PM, Wang JT, Chen PJ, Chan KW, et al.Long-term efficacy of ribavirin plus interferon alfa in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Gastroenterology 1996;111(5):1307-12. [MEDLINE: 97054348; : PMID: 8898645]
99. Lee 1998 {published data only} Lee JH, von Wagner M, Roth WK, Teuber G, Sarrazin C, Zeuzem S. Effect of ribavirin on virus load and quasispecies distribution in patients. Journal of Hepatology 1998;29(1):29-35. [MEDLINE: 98359678; : PMID: 9696489]
100. Lin 2004 {published data only} Lin C-C, Xu C, Teng A, Yeh L-T, Peterson J. Dosing with viramidine in HCV patients resulted in lower plasma and RBC ribavirin levels and exhibited smaller decreases in hemoglobin compared to ribavirin dosing (abstract). Hepatology 2004; Vol. 40, issue 4 (Suppl 1):386.
101. Lédinghen 2002a {published data only} Lédinghen V, Trimoulet P, Winnock M, Foucher J, Bourliére M, Desmorat H, et al.Daily or three times a week interferon alfa-2b in combination with ribavirin or interferon alone for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis. Journal of Hepatatology 2002;36:672-80.
102. Lédinghen 2002b {published data only} Lédinghen VL, Trimoulet P, Bernard PH, Bourliere M, Portal I, Rémy AJ, et al.Daily or three times per week interferon alpha-2b combination with ribavirin or interferon alone for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C not responding to previous interferon alone. Journal of Hepatology 2002;36(6):819-26.
103. Malik 2002 {published data only} Malik AH, Kumar KS, Malet PF, Ostapowicz G, Adams G, Wood M, et al.A randomised trial of high-dose interferon alpha-2b, with or without ribavirin, in chronic hepatitis C patients who have not responded to standard dose interferon. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics 2002;16(3):381-8.
104. Mangia 2001 {published data only} Mangia A, Villani MR, Minerva N, Leandro G, Bacca D, Cela M, et al.Efficacy of 5 MU of interferon in combination with ribavirin for naive patients with chronic hepatitis C virus: a randomised controlled trial. Jornal of Hepatology 2001;34:441-6.
105. Marcellin 1999 {published data only} Marcellin P, Hezode C, Castelnau C, Barange K, Couzigou P, Larrey D, et al.Randomized controlled trial of combination therapy with interferon (IFN) alfa-2A and ribavirin, in patients with chronic hepatitis C who relapsed after interferon therapy (abstract). Hepatology 1999;30(4 Pt 2):192A.
106. Marco 2000 {published data only} Marci VD, Almasio P, Vaccaro A, Ferraro D, Parisi P, Cataldo MG, et al.Combined treatment of relapse of chronic hepatitis C with high-dose alpha-2b interferon plus ribavirin for 6 or 12 months. Journal of Hepatology 2000;33(3):456-62.
107. Marco 2002 {published data only} Marco DV, Ferraro D, Almasio P, Vaccaro A, Parisi P, Cappello M, et al.Early viral clearance and sustained response in chronic hepatitis C: a controlled trial of interferon and ribavirin after high-dose interferon induction. Journal of Viral Hepatitis 2002;9(2):453-9.
108. Mazzaferro 1997 {published data only} Mazzaferro V, Regalia E, Pulvirenti A, Tagger A, Andreola S, Pasquali M, et al.Prophylaxis against HCV recurrence after liver transplantation: effect of interferon and ribavirin combination. Transplantation Proceedings 1997;29(1-2): 519-21. [MEDLINE: 97230702; : PMID: 9123113]
109. McHutchison 1998 {published data only} McHutchison JG, Gordon SC, Schiff ER, Shiffman ML, Lee WM, Rustgi VK, et al.Interferon alfa-2b alone or in combination with ribavirin as initial treatment for chronic hepatitis C. New England Journal of Medicine 1998;339(21):1485-92. [MEDLINE: 99025346; : PMID: 9819446]
110. Menzel 2000 {published data only} Menzel J, Ullerich HJ, Domschke W. A randomized pilot study in IFN-naive patients comparing daily high-dose interferon-alpha (IFN 2A) triple therapy with tiw interferon-alpha (IFN 2 A ) triple therapy - first results (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 2000;32(2 Suppl):190S.
111. Milella 1999 {published data only} Milella M, Santantonio T, Pietromatera G, Maselli R, Casalino C, Mariano N, et al.Retreatment of non-responder or relapser chronic hepatitis C patients with interferon plus ribavirin vs interferon alone. Italian Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 1999;31(3):211-5.
112. Nagayama 2005 {published data only} Nagayama R, Tanaka A, Ankoh H, Narita T, Izumi M, Miyake K, et al.Efficacy of ribavirin monotherapy following combination therapy with interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin for patients with chronic hepatitis C. Hepatology Research 2005;32(2):101-6.
113. Nunes 1999 {published data only} Nunes DP, Anastopoulos H, Gordon F, Chopra S, Petruff C, Solomons H, et al.Double-blind placebo controlled study of interferon versus interferon plus ribavirin for the treatment of hepatitis C in patients who previously failed interferon monotherapy (abstract). Hepatology 1999;30(4 Pt 2):199A.
114. Perasso 1999 {published data only} Perasso A, Testino G, Ansaldi F, Venturino V, Icardi GC. r-Interferon alfa-2b/ribavirin combined therapy followed by low-dose r-interferon alfa-2b in chronic hepatitis C interferon nonresponders. Hepatology 1999;29(1):297-8. [MEDLINE: 99129321; : PMID: 9935339]
115. Pol 1999 {published data only} Pol S, Couzigou P, Bourlière M, Abergel A, Combis JM, Larrey D, et al.A randomized trial of ribavirin and interferon-alpha vs. interferon-alpha alone in patients with chronic hepatitis C who were non-responders to a previous treatment. Multicenter Study Group under the coordination of the Necker Hospital, Paris, France. Journal of Hepatology 1999;31(1):1-7. [MEDLINE: 99351563; : PMID: 10424277]
116. Pol 2000a {published data only} Pol S, Nalpas B, Bourlière M, Couzigou P, Tran A, Abergel A, et al.Combination of ribavirin and interferon-alfa surpasses high doses of interferon-alfa alone in patients with genotype 1b-related chronic hepatitis. Hepatology 2000;31(6):1338-44. [MEDLINE: 20287465; : PMID: 10827161]
117. Poordad 2008 {published data only} Poordad F, Lawitz E, Chun E, Hammond J. Treatment week 12 results of weight-based taribavirin versus weight-based ribavirin, both with peginterferon alfa-2b, in naive chronic hepatitis C, genotype 1 patients (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 2008; Vol. 48, issue Suppl 2:373.
118. Portal 2000 {published data only} Portal-Bartolomei I, Bourlière M, Halfon P, De Lédinghen V, Bernard P, Botti G, et al.Retreatment with interferon-ribavirin according to viremia of interferon responder-relapser patients: preliminary results of a prospective French multicenter randomized controlled study (abstract). Hepatology 1999;30(4 Pt 2):194A.
119. Poynard 1998a {published data only} Poynard T, Marcellin P, Lee SS, Niederau C, Minuk GS, Ideo G, et al.Randomised trial of interferon alpha2b plus ribavirin for 48 weeks or for 24 weeks versus interferon alpha2b plus placebo for 48 weeks for treatment of chronic infection with hepatitis C virus. Lancet 1998;352(9138):1426-32. [MEDLINE: 99023142; :PMID: 9807989]
120. Quadri 2000 {published data only} Quadri R, Giostra E, Rubbia-Brandt L, Mentha G, Malé PJ, Hadenque A, et al.Mechanism of action of ribavirin in treatment of recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplant (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 2000;32(2 Suppl):91S.
121. Reichard 1998 {published data only} Reichard O, Norkrans G, Fryden A, Braconier JH, Sonnerborg A, Weiland O. Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of interferon alpha-2b with and without ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C. Lancet 1998;351(9096):83-7. [MEDLINE: 98102664; :PMID: 9439491]
122. Ricchiuti 1996 {published data only} Ricchiuti A, Ciccorossi P, Costa F, Bellini M, Tumino E, Petruccelli S, et al.Combination therapy with interferon alpha and ribavirin in interferon alpha relapsers (abstract). Hepatology 1996;24(4 Pt 2):395A.
123. Ricchiuti 1999 {published data only} Ricchiuti A, Ciccorossi P, Costa F, Bellini M, Da Massa Carara P, Arpe P, et al.Daily administration of interferon alpha 2b and utility of combination therapy with ribavirin as initial treatment for chronic hepatitis C (abstract). Hepatology 1999;30(4 Pt 2):627A.
124. Rosen 1999 {published data only} Rosen HR, Miner C, Wolf SL, Portland VA, Portland OR, Gretch DR. A randomized trial of daily vs b.i.d. interferon induction followed by combination rebetron therapy for HCV genotype 1 infection (abstract). Hepatology 1999;30(4 Pt 2):192A.
125. Rothstein 1998 {published data only} Rothstein K, Suvannasankha A, DiGregorio K, Gross F, Peikin S, Mushnick A, et al.Serum HCV RNA kinetics during combination therapy with daily interferon alpha and ribavirin (abstract). Hepatology 1998;28(4 Pt 2):706A.
126. Salmeron 1999 {published data only} Salmeron J, Ruiz-Extremera A, Torres C, Rodriguez-Ramos L, Lavin I, Quintero D, et al.Interferon versus ribavirin plus interferon in chronic hepatitis C previously resistant to interferon: a randomized trial. Liver 1999;19(4): 275-80. [MEDLINE: 99387380; : PMID: 10459624]
127. Sarin 1999 {published data only} Sarin SK, Guptan RC, Thakur V. Efficacy of interferon alone or ribavirin interferon combination in HCV related cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis patients: a randomized controlled trial (abstract). Hepatology 1999;30(4 Pt 2):634A.
128. Scotto 1996 {published data only} Scotto G, Fazio V, Tantimonaco G. Pilot study of a short course of ribavirin and alpha interferon in the treatment of chronic active hepatitis C not responding to alpha-interferon alone. Italian Journal of Gastroenterology 1996;28(9):505-11. [MEDLINE: 97278061; : PMID: 9131395]
129. Shakil 1999 {published data only} Shakil O, Rakela J. Interferon-alpha2b and ribavirin combination therapy in liver transplant recipients with recurrent hepatitis C (abstract). Hepatology 1999;30(4 Pt 2):656A.
130. Sherif 1996 {published data only} Sherif SMAF, Sobhy AA. Comparison of interferon, ribavirin and combined interferon with ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C with cirrhosis: an interim report (abstract). Hepatology 1996;23(1):176.
131. Shiffman 2000 {published data only} Shiffman ML, Hofmann CM, Gabbay J, Luketic VA, Sterling RK, Sanyal AJ, et al.Treatment of chronic hepatitis C in patients who failed interferon monotherapy: effects of higher doses of interferon and ribavirin combination therapy. American Journal of Gastroenterology 2000;95(10):2982-5.
132. Shiffman 2001 {published data only} Hofmann CM, Sterling RK, Luketic VA, Contos MJ, Sanyal AJ, Shiffman ML. A Randomized, Controlled Trial to Determine if Continuing Ribavirin (Rvn) as Monotherapy Following Interferon/ Ribavirin (Ifn/Rvn) Combination Therapy Will Increase Sustained Virologic Response in Patients With Chronic HCV (abstract). Gastroenterology 2000;118(4):219.
133. * Shiffman ML, Hofmann CM, Sterling RK, Luketic VA, Contos MJ, Sanyal AJ. A randomized, controlled trial to determine whether continued ribavirin monotherapy in hepatitis C virus-infected patients who responded to interferon-ribavirin combination therapy will enhance sustained virologic response. Journal of Infectious Diseases 2001;184(4):405-9.
134. Stalke 2000 {published data only} Stalke P,Witczak-Malinowska K, Lakomy E, Michalska Z, Dzierbicki A. Hematologic side effects of interferon alpha and ribavirin therapy of chronic active hepatitis C (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 2000;32(2 Suppl):204S.
135. Tassopoulos 1999 {published data only} Tassopoulos NC, Tsantoulas D, Raptopilou M, Paraskevas E, Avregerinos A, Kantakis S, et al.Efficacy of interferon-alpha 2b in combination with ribavirin in the treatment if non-responder patients with chronic hepatitis C: a randomised-controlled trial (abstract). Hepatology 1999;30(4 Pt 2):632A.
136. Teuber 2000 {published data only} Teuber G, Berg T, Hoffmann RM, Leifeld L, Lafrenz M, Spengler U, et al.Retreatment with interferon-alpha and ribavirin in primary interferon-alpha non-responders with chronic hepatitis C. Digestion 2000;61(2):90-7. [MEDLINE: 20171249; : PMID: 10705172]
137. Toccaceli 1997 {published data only} Toccaceli F, Grimaldi M, Rosati S, Palazzini E, Laghi V. Ribavirin plus human leucocyte interferon alpha for the treatment of interferon resistant chronic hepatitis C: a controlled trial. Hepatology Research 1997;8(2):106-12.
138. Tripi 1998 {published data only} Tripi S, di Gaetano G, Cartabellotta F, Vassallo R, Soresi M, Carroccio A, et al.Ribavirin and alpha-interferon in patients with chronic hepatitis C not responding to interferon alone (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 1998;28(1 Suppl):212S.
139. Verbaan 2002 {published data only} Verbaan HP, Widell HEA, Bodeson TL, Lindgren SC. High sustained response rate in patients with histologically mild (low grade and stage) chronic hepatitis C infection. A randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial of interferon alpha-2b with or without ribavirin. European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2002;14:627-33.
140. Vogel 2002 {published data only} Vogel W. Measurement of viral interferon sensitivity in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Prospective randomised, open label phase 3 clinical trial (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 2002;36(Suppl 1):135.
141. Wiese 2000a {published data only} Wiese M, Berr F, Porst H, Lefrenz M, Oesen U. Low frequency of cirrhosis in a large hepatitis C outbreak after 20 years (abstract). Journal of Hepatology 2000;32(2 Suppl):101S.
142. Wood 1998 {published data only} Wood MM, Malet PF, Jones A, Prebis M, Harford W, Lee WM. High dose interferon alfa-2b (IFN) with or without ribavirin (RIB) for chronic hepatitis C in non-responders to standard therapy (abstract). Hepatology 1998;28(4 Suppl):283S.
143. Als-Nielsen 2004 Als-Nielsen B, Gluud LL, Gluud C. Methodological quality and treatments effects in randomised trials - a review of six empirical studies. 12th Cochrane Colloquium, Ottawa, Canada (http://www.cochrane.org/ colloquia/abstracts/ottawa/) 2004;Abstract book: O-072.
144. Alter 1997 Alter M. Epidemiology of hepatitis C. Hepatology 1997;26(3 Suppl 1):62S-65S. [MEDLINE: 1997449197]
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146. Amgen 2009 Amgen. Important drug warning. http://www.amgen.com/ pdfs/misc/DHCP.letter.PRCA.and.HepC.pdf 2009 (accessed 12 August 2009).
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148. Brok 2008 Brok J, Thorlund K, Gluud C, Wetterslev J. Trial sequential analysis reveals insufficient information size and potentially false positive results in many meta-analyses. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology 2008;61(8):763-9.
149. Chander 2002 Chander G, Sulkowski MS, Jenckes MW, Torbenson MS, Herlong R, Bass EB, et al.Treatment of chronic hepatitis C: a systematic review. Hepatology 2002;36(5 Suppl 1):135S-145S.
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