Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Adult Chinese Hemophilia Patients Negative for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Treatment Results with Interferon and Ribavirin

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication in hemophilia patients depends on viral and patient factors. We report the treatment results with interferon α (5 megaunits, 3 times per week) and ribavirin (1 g daily) for 1 year in 17 Chinese patients who were negative for the human immunodeficiency virus. The HCV genotype consisted of a mixture of Western (genotypes 1, 2, and 3) and Chinese (genotypes 1 and 6) patterns. Quasi species were common (29%). Seven patients (41%) stopped treatment because of complications. Sustained HCV eradication was achieved until the end of treatment or for 24 months in 7 of 17 patients, respectively. A sustained response occurred in 50% of the patients completing treatment and occurred only in patients with genotypes 1, 3, and 6 but not with quasi species.