Hepatitis Central

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

Latest Test May Predict Hepatitis C Treatment Results

October 5, 2006

Printer-friendly version

Bookmark and Share

When undergoing interferon/ribavirin treatment for Hepatitis C, being able to judge the treatment's chance of success is critical in deciding whether to continue. By increasing an RNA test's sensitivity, American researchers have found a more reliable method for physicians to judge treatment outcome.

Abstract from Hepatology August 2006
Volume 44, Issue 2, Pages 360-367

HCV RNA detection by TMA during the hepatitis C antiviral long-term treatment against cirrhosis (Halt-C) trial

For making treatment decisions related to chronic hepatitis C, the utility of HCV RNA tests with increased sensitivity has not been defined. Prior interferon nonresponders with advanced fibrosis (n = 1,145) were retreated with peginterferon alpha-2a and ribavirin.

Patients who were HCV RNA-negative by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay (Roche COBAS AmplicorTM HCV Test, v. 2.0; lower limit of detection [LOD] 100 IU/mL) at week 20 (W20) received treatment for 48 weeks.

Stored specimens were tested using the Bayer VERSANT HCV RNA Qualitative (TMA) Assay (LOD 9.6 IU/mL) and compared to PCR results for the ability to predict sustained virological response (SVR; defined as undetectable HCV RNA by PCR at W72).

Nearly all PCR-positive samples (1006/1007, 99.9%) were positive as assessed by TMA. Among 1,294 PCR-negative samples, 22% were TMA-positive.

Negative TMA results were more predictive of SVR than were negative PCR results at W12 (82% vs. 64%, P < .001) and at W20 (66% vs. 52%, P = 0.001).

SVR was more likely the earlier TMA had become negative during treatment (82% at W12, 44% at W20, 20% at W24).

Among 45 patients who were TMA-positive but were PCR-negative at W20 and W24, none achieved SVR (95% CI: 0%-8%).

Approximately 10% of patients with a single positive TMA result at the end of treatment still achieved SVR.

In conclusion, negative TMA results at or after W12 were superior to negative PCR results for predicting SVR. In patients with negative PCR results during treatment, a single positive TMA test did not exclude SVR, although persistently positive tests did.

Posted by Editors at October 5, 2006 10:34 AM

Requirements for using and reposting articles

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.

Advertisement