RESUMEN
Efficacy of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) treatment with Peg-IFN and Ribavirin (RBV) is superior for genotypes 2/3 (GT-2/3) than for genotype 1 (GT-1) patients. Efficacy of treatment in Latinos infected with GT-2/3 is unknown. The purpose of the study was to examine efficacy of Peg-IFN/RBV in Latinos and factors that predict sustained viral response (SVR). This was a retrospective study of GT-2/3 patients treated with Peg-IFN alfa-2a and RBV for 24 weeks. Multiple baseline characteristics were evaluated. SVR and relapse rates were calculated, as well as multiple regression models performed to examine factors that predict SVR and relapse, as genotype, HVL, weight, steatosis at liver biopsy, total cholesterol triglyceride and diabetes. Thirty five consecutive patients were included in the study; [26] GT-2 and [9] GT-3. Baseline characteristics were similar between both genotypes. SVR was (18/26) or 69.2% for GT-2 and (8/9) or 88.9% for GT-3 for combined SVR of (26/35), 74.3%. Relapse rates were 28.0% for GT-2 and 11.1% for GT-3 patients for a combined relapse rate of 23.5%. Patients heavier than 75 kg had relapse rates twofold higher than leaner patients, (6/21) or 28.6% versus (2/14) or 14.3% (P = 0.088). Weight increase in kg was the only predictor for risk of relapse, P = 0.043 (SD 0.0445 95% CI 1.0026-1.1772). In conclusion, Latinos heavier than 75 kg with GT-2/3 HCV infection achieve lower SVR than those who weight less than 75 kg, because a higher relapse rate. More research in ethnic and racial minorities is needed to further establish optimal treatment in this population.