Efficacy and side effects of PEG-IFNα-2a plus ribavirin on elderly patients with chronic hepatitis C

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of PEG-IFNα-2a plus ribavirin combination therapy on elderly patients with chronic hepatitis C.Methods Elder CHC patients (age≥60 years) (N=16) and younger CHC patients (age<60 years) (N=46) received PEG-IFNα-2a 180 μg/w combined ribavirin 800-1000 mg/d treatment.Baseline clinical characteristics, virological response and side effects were compared between the two groups.Results Elderly patients had a significant higher rate of neutropenia and thrombocytopenia than did younger patients[ (P=0.044, OR (95%CI) =3.264 (1.005-10.599) ;P=0.000, OR (95%CI) =2.875 (1.935-4.271) , respectively].Similar SVR rates were obtained in the two aged patients (40.00% vs 80.00%, P=0.131 by Fisher's exact test) .Univariate analysis indicated that age was not a factor associated with SVR.Conclusion Treatment of CHC with PEG-IFNα-2a plus ribavirin therapy was comparably effective and safe among elderly patients.