Hepatitis Central

The latest research & treatment news about Hepatitis C infection, diagnosis, symptoms and treatments.

What is Sustained Response?

Definition:

During the course of antiviral therapy for hepatitis C, patients may show varying degrees of response to interferon or other medications. Those who do not have detectable blood serum levels of viral RNA 6 months after finishing treatment with medication are called "sustained responders" or "long term responders". Sustained responders may "relapse" though at a later time, and have a recurrence of viral RNA. A person who has shown a sustained response to therapy should continue to have ALT and RNA values checked every 6 to 12 months after therapy has stopped.

Combination medications such as Rebetron (lamivudine and interferon combined) appear to have a better sustained response rate than solo therapy with interferon alone, according to studies. Length of treatment also seems to be a factor, with patients on 48 weeks of therapy doing better than those on 24 weeks in initial studies done. Other factors associated with an improved response rate include a younger age, having the infection less than 5 years, lower hepatitis C virus RNA concentrations, no cirrhosis on biopsy, and a genotype other than 1a or 1b. Studies are ongoing to determine what can help to improve the sustained response rates to therapy for chronic hepatitis B and C.

Table Of Contents

Site Topics

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    Some of our most commonly asked questions and our answers to them.

  • HCV Symptoms

    You'll find links to a comprehensive symptoms list, as well as various studies and discussions about Hepatitis C symptoms.

  • Lab Tests

    What they are and what they mean. Helps you interpret & understand all the various hepatitis lab tests likely to be encountered.

  • Hepatitis C Genotypes

    Learn about Hepatitis C Genotypes and their variants.

  • Viral Load

    Provides detailed information on how to analyze and interpret viral load numbers as well as a link to a convenient Viral Load Chart.

  • What is...?

    Learn more about various Hepatitis C related topics, including HCV, Ascites, Biopsies, and much more.

  • HCV Medicines

    Numerous links to studies, info sheets, FAQs, and analysis of Ribavirin/Rebetron medicines.

  • Glossary

    Commonly used medical terms and definitions.

  • Hepatitis C Doctors

    A state-by-state and worldwide reference listing physicians who treat HCV, including an email link to submit your physician for inclusion.

  • Biopsy Info

    A comprehensive resource of information relating to the liver biopsy.

  • Cirrhosis

    Many discussions and analyses of cirrhosis, including causes, complications, pathology, symptoms, and much more.

  • Liver Cancer

    Liver Cancer/Hepatocellular Carcinoma studies, info sheets, FAQs, and analysis.

  • Liver Disease Medicines

    An exhaustive list of links to studies, info sheets, FAQs, and analysis of the various drugs used to treat liver disease.

  • Hep-Central Email List

    Sign up to learn about advances and breakthroughs in Hepatitis C research, including information about medical and complementary treatments.

  • HCV Links

    Convenient links to other sites external to Hepatitis-Central.

  • HCV Transmission

    Information about the transmission of Hepatitis C.

  • HCV Natural Remedies

    A number of herbal products useful in the management of liver disease.

  • HCV Books

    Recommended reading for those interested in hepatitis information.

  • Hepatitis C Forum

    A Bulletin Board for discussions on hepatitis, treatments, etc.

  • Hepatitis C Activism

    An easy way to get involved in urging our government to do more for Hepatitis C awareness and treatment research.

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