Long-Term Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on the Retinal and Choroidal Microvasculature.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the persistent changes in microvascular parameters based on optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 bilateral pneumonia. The case-control prospective study was carried out among 49 patients with COVID-19 and 45 healthy age- and gender-matched 2 and 8 months after hospital discharge. We found a significantly decreased vessel density (VD) in superficial capillary plexus (SCP) in COVID-19 patients. Significantly decreased vessel density (VD) in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), the deep capillary plexus (DCP), and choriocapillaris (CC), with significantly increased vessel density observed in the choriocapillaris in the foveal area (FCC). The foveal avascular zone in DCP (FAZd) was significantly increased in the COVID-19 group. We found differences between OCTA parameters according to gender. The foveal VD in SCP and DCP was significantly decreased in women compared to men. The FAZ area in SCP (FAZs) and superior VD in the choriocapillaris (SCC) were significantly increased in women. In conclusion, we noticed persistent changes in the ocular parameters of OCTA in COVID-19 patients. At the second follow-up visit, we observed a widened FAZ zone in SCP and decreased VD in some regions of the retina and choroid.

Efficacy of 8- versus 12-week treatment with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir in chronic hepatitis C patients eligible for 8-week regimen in a real-world setting.

Introduction: Non-cirrhotic treatment-naive hepatitis C patients infected with genotype 1 can be treated with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) for 8 weeks, but in practice this regimen is frequently extended up to 12 weeks at least in part due to insufficient real-world data supporting shortening of treatment. The aim of our study was to compare 8- and 12-week regimens' efficacy in patients eligible for 8-week therapy in a real-world setting. Material and methods: Data of HCV genotype 1 infected patients treated with LDV/SOF between 2015 and 2018 included in the EpiTer-2 database were analyzed with respect to patients' characteristics and length of treatment. Results: Among a total of 1718 patients treated with LDV/SOF, 679 were included in the analysis, 238 (35%) received 8-week regimen, whereas 441 were treated for 12 weeks although they fulfilled the criteria for a shorter course. The majority of patients were infected with genotype 1b (89%) and demonstrated minimal fibrosis (55%). The 12-week regimen was assigned significantly more frequently to patients with comorbidities, concomitant medications and advanced liver fibrosis. The sustained virologic response rate was similar after 8 (98%) and 12 (97%) weeks of therapy according to intent-to-treat analysis and reached 99% in both groups after exclusion of patients lost to follow-up. Conclusions: We confirmed high effectiveness regardless of treatment duration with LDV/SOF in non-cirrhotics infected with HCV genotype 1 eligible for the 8-week regimen according to the current label. This real-world study also demonstrated no need for addition of ribavirin (RBV) in this population and showed that shortening of treatment significantly improves the safety profile of LDV/SOF medication.

The Effect of Reduced Oxygen Saturation on Retinal Microvascularization in COVID-19 Patients with Bilateral Pneumonia Based on Optical Coherence Tomography Study.

The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in the retinal thickness and microvasculature based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) depending on baseline oxygen saturation (SpO2) in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 bilateral pneumonia. The prospective study was carried out among 62 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who underwent ophthalmic examination after hospital discharge. They were divided into three groups depending on the oxygen saturation (SpO2) on admission: ≤90% (group 1), >90% and ≤95% (group 2), and >95% (group 3). The following parameters were assessed in the ophthalmological examination and correlated with the baseline SpO2: ganglion cell layer (GCL), the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in the macular area, RNFL in the peripapillary area, the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP), vessel density (VD) in SCP, in DCP, and in the choriocapillaris plexus (CC). Baseline saturation ≤90% in COVID-19 patients caused a decrease of VD in some areas of SCP and DCP and an increase in FAZ area in SCP and DCP. In the group of patients with SpO2 ≤ 90% statistically significant thinning of the retina in the inner superior ring (ISR) (p = 0.029), the inner temporal ring (ITR) (p = 0.34), the outer superior ring (OSR) (p = 0.012), and the outer temporal ring (OTR) (p= 0.004)] was observed. The statistically significant thickening of RNFL optic disc and thinning of RNFL retina in some macular areas in patients with SpO2 ≤ 90% were reported. The size of FAZ area in SCP and vessel density were significantly greater in some areas of SCP, DCP, and CC in patients with SpO2 ≤ 90% (p = 0.025). Baseline oxygen saturation ≤90% has been found to influence the ocular parameters of OCT in COVID-19 patients. We noticed a widened FAZ zone in SCP and increased VD in some regions of the retina and choroid as a response to systemic hypoxia.

Clinical characteristics and antiviral therapy in patients infected with hepatitis C virus in the interferon­free era.

INTRODUCTION: The highly effective and safe interferon (IFN)-free options were a breakthrough in the treatment of patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). OBJECTIVE: The current analysis was designed to evaluate changes in the patient profile and antiviral treatment characteristics over time. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 963 consecutive HCV­infected patients who started IFN­free regimens between July 2015 and December 2020 in the Department of Infectious Diseases in Kielce, Poland. The analysis was carried out for 5 time intervals. RESULTS: The studied group was sex­balanced, with the median (interquartile range) age changing from 58 (44.8-63) in 2015-2016 to 43 (35-61) in 2020. The proportion of patients with comorbidities decreased over the years. The rate of treatment­naïve individuals increased from 40.9% in 2015-2016 to 91% in 2020, while the percentage of patients with liver cirrhosis decreased from 51.1% in 2015-2016 to 13.3% in 2020. Genotype­specific regimens dominated in the years 2015-2017, while pangenotypic options gained an advantage in 2019 and reached 91% in 2020. Overall effectiveness achieved 98.4% in the per­protocol analysis and was comparable over the years with lower efficacy among patients with liver cirrhosis and those infected with genotype 3. The therapy was well­tolerated, and the safety profile improved over time. CONCLUSIONS: The median age of HCV­infected patients decreased over the years. They were less burdened with comorbidities and comedications, more likely to be treatment­naïve, and had less advanced liver disease. The genotype­specific regimens, predominantly used at the beginning of the IFN­free era, were superseded by the pangenotypic regimens.

Retinal Microvascular Changes in COVID-19 Bilateral Pneumonia Based on Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate retinal and choroidal microvascular alterations with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in COVID-19 patients hospitalized because of bilateral pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2. The vessel density (VD) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) of 63 patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia who had positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and who recovered after receiving treatment and 45 healthy age- and gender-matched controls were evaluated and compared using OCTA in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP). The VD was also estimated in both groups in the choriocapillaris (CC). In COVID-19 patients, there was a statistically significant difference between the patients and a control group in both superficial (FAZs) and deep (FAZd) avascular zone (p = 0.000). The VD was significantly lower in the foveal area in choriocapillaris (p = 0.046). There were no statistically significant changes in the VD in the superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal quadrants in superficial and deep plexus, or in the choriocapillaris. The VD was not significantly lower in the foveal area in superficial or deep plexus. COVID-19 may affect the retinal vasculature, causing ischemia, enlargement of the FAZ, and lowering of the VD in the choriocapillaris area. Routine ophthalmic examination after SARS-CoV-2 infection should be considered in the course of post-infectious rehabilitation.

Are There Still Difficult-to-Treat Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C in the Era of Direct-Acting Antivirals?

Difficult-to-treat populations with chronic hepatitis C (CHC), in the era of interferon treatment, included patients with liver cirrhosis, kidney impairment, treatment-experienced individuals, and those coinfected with the human immunodeficiency virus. The current study aimed to determine whether, in the era of direct-acting antivirals (DAA), there are still patients that are difficult-to-treat. The study included all consecutive patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) who started interferon-free therapy between July 2015 and December 2020 in the Department of Infectious Diseases in Kielce. The analyzed real-world population consisted of 963 patients, and most of them were infected with genotype 1 (87.6%) with the predominance of subtype 1b and were treatment-naïve (78.8%). Liver cirrhosis was determined in 207 individuals (21.5%), of whom 82.6% were compensated. The overall sustained virologic response, after exclusion of non-virologic failures, was achieved in 98.4%. The univariable analysis demonstrated the significantly lower response rates in males, patients with liver cirrhosis, decompensation of hepatic function at baseline, documented esophageal varices, concomitant diabetes, body mass index ≥25, and previous ineffective antiviral treatment. Despite an overall very high effectiveness, some unfavorable factors, including male gender, genotype 3 infection, liver cirrhosis, and treatment experience, significantly reduce the chances for a virologic response were identified.

Genotype-specific versus pangenotypic regimens in patients infected with hepatitis C virus genotype 1b in real-world settings.

Introduction: The introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has provided us with hope to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection as a significant public health problem in the coming years. Objective: Our study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of genotype-specific and pangenotypic regimens in genotype 1b­infected patients treated in real-world settings. Patients and methods: Patients were selected from 990 HCV-infected individuals treated with DAAs in the Department of Infectious Diseases in Kielce, Poland, who had the therapy initiated between July 1, 2015 and December 31, 2020. Results: A total of 795 genotype 1b­infected patients with a median age of 51 years, female predominance (55%), and a 21.1% rate of cirrhosis were included in the analysis. A total of 69.9% of patients were treated with genotype-specific regimens. Those patients were significantly older, more often were treatment experienced, and had advanced liver fibrosis and cirrhosis compared with patients assigned to pangenotypic regimens. An overall sustained virologic response rate of 97.9% in the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis and 99% after excluding nonvirologic nonresponders was achieved, with no significant difference between patients in the 2 treatment arms. Significantly higher proportions of men (P = 0.001) and DAA-experienced patients (P = 0.049) were documented among virologic nonresponders. Conclusions: We confirmed very high effectiveness and a good safety profile of both genotype-specific and pangenotypic regimens used in patients with genotype 1b HCV infection, and we found no differences between these 2 generations of medications. Male sex and previous treatment with DAAs were identified as negative predictors for therapy effectiveness.

Effectiveness of Tocilizumab with and without Dexamethasone in Patients with Severe COVID-19: A Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE: The pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is complicated, and in addition to antiviral therapy and combating coagulopathy, treatment should also include inhibition of the proinflammatory cytokines overproduction. The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of tocilizumab (TCZ) and dexamethasone (DEX) administered alone or in combination in patients with severe COVID-19. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were selected from the SARSTer database, containing 3330 individuals with COVID-19 treated between 1 March 2020 and 10 March 2021. The current study included adult patients with baseline oxygen saturation (SpO2) ≤90%, requiring regular or non-invasive high-flow oxygen supplementation. RESULTS: Among included 460 patients, 59 were treated with TCZ, 125 with TCZ and DEX, 169 with DEX, and 107 did not receive TCZ nor DEX. The groups were balanced regarding demographics, coexisting diseases, baseline SpO2, and comedications with remdesivir or low-molecular-weight heparin. The death rate of 6.8% was significantly lower in patients receiving TCZ alone than each arm (19.6%-23.1%), particularly in patients with interleukin-6 concentration exceeding 100pg/mL (5% vs 22.9%-51.7%, respectively). Analysis of clinical improvement demonstrated doubled, significantly higher rate after 21 and 28 days in patients treated with TCZ alone (60% and 75%, respectively) compared to DEX (27.6% and 37.9%, respectively). The need for mechanical ventilation was similar in all arms. CONCLUSION: In patients with severe course of COVID-19, particularly those developing cytokine storm, administration of TCZ provides a significantly better effect than DEX regarding survival, clinical improvement, and hospital discharge rate. The combination of TCZ and DEX does not improve therapy effectiveness in patients with severe COVID-19 compared to the administration of TCZ alone.

Tocilizumab Improves the Prognosis of COVID-19 in Patients with High IL-6.

Despite direct viral effect, the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) includes an overproduction of cytokines including interleukin 6 (IL-6). Therefore, tocilizumab (TOC), a monoclonal antibody against IL-6 receptors, was considered as a possible therapeutic option. Patients were selected from the SARSTer database, containing 2332 individuals with COVID-19. Current study included 825 adult patients with moderate to severe course. Analysis was performed in 170 patients treated with TOC and 655 with an alternative medication. The end-points of treatment effectiveness were death rate, need for mechanical ventilation, and clinical improvement. Patients treated with TOC were balanced compared to non-TOC regarding gender, age, BMI, and prevalence of coexisting conditions. Significant effect of TOC on death was demonstrated in patients with baseline IL-6 > 100 pg/mL (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.08-0.57). The best effectiveness of TOC was achieved in patients with a combination of baseline IL-6 > 100 pg/mL and either SpO2 ≤ 90% (HR: 0.07) or requiring oxygen supplementation (HR: 0.18). Tocilizumab administration in COVID-19 reduces mortality and speeds up clinical improvement in patients with a baseline concentration of IL-6 > 100 pg/mL, particularly if they need oxygen supplementation owing to the lower value of SpO2 ≤ 90%.

Real-world effectiveness and safety of direct-acting antivirals in patients with cirrhosis and history of hepatic decompensation: Epi-Ter2 Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the real-life effectiveness and safety of direct acting antivirals (DAAs) in patients with cirrhosis and history of hepatic decompensation compared to those with compensated cirrhosis. METHOD: Data of patients treated with DAAs and included in the EpiTer-2 database (N = 10 152) were collected retrospectively. The primary endpoint was sustained viral response (SVR) at 12 weeks posttreatment. Patients were also evaluated in terms of liver-related adverse events and treatment modification/discontinuation. RESULTS: The overall SVR rate was 91.4% in the intent to treat (ITT) analysis and 95.2% in the per-protocol (PP) analysis (P < .001). Patients with decompensated cirrhosis had lower SVR rates compared to those with compensated cirrhosis in ITT analysis (86.4% vs 92.0%, P < .001), while not in PP analysis (92.9% vs 95.5%, P > .05). Adverse events (AE) occurred 45.6% and 29.3% of patients with decompensated and compensated cirrhosis (P < .001). Patients with decompensated cirrhosis were at higher risk of death (5.4% vs 0.9%; P < .0001) or liver decompensation (21.5% vs 1.3%; P < .0001). Treatment with protease inhibitors was not associated with hepatic decompensation (P = .3). Only 82.6% of patients with decompensated cirrhosis completed DAA treatment (vs 92.8% in compensated cirrhotics; P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Despite higher frequency of AE and treatment modifications, once completed, DAAs yield comparable results for patients with decompensated and compensated cirrhosis. High rate of serious adverse events in patients with advanced liver disease treated with PI may not be related to the detrimental effect of the medications, but rather to the disease itself.

Is an 8-week regimen of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir sufficient for all hepatitis C virus infected patients in the real-world experience?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The revolution of the antiviral treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection resulting in higher effectiveness came with the introduction of direct-acting antivirals with pangenotypic regimens as a final touch. Among them, the combination of glecaprevir (GLE) and pibrentasvir (PIB) provides the opportunity for shortening therapy to 8 weeks in the majority of patients. Because of still insufficient evaluation of this regimen in the real-world experience, our study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of 8-week GLE/PIB in chronic hepatitis C patients depending on liver fibrosis and genotype (GT). METHODS: The analysis included patients who received GLE/PIB for 8 weeks selected from the EpiTer-2 database, large retrospective national real-world study evaluating antiviral treatment in 12 584 individuals in 22 Polish hepatology centers. RESULTS: A total of 1034 patients with female predominance (52%) were enrolled in the analysis. The majority of them were treatment naïve (94%), presented liver fibrosis (F) of F0-F3 (92%), with the most common GT1b, followed by GT3. The overall sustained virologic response after exclusion of nonvirologic failures was achieved in 95.8% and 98%, respectively (P = 0.19). In multivariate logistic regression HCV GT-3 (beta = 0.07, P = 0.02) and HIV infection (beta = -0.14, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of nonresponse. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated high effectiveness of 8-week GLE/PIB treatment in a non-GT3 population irrespective of liver fibrosis stage. Comparable efficacy was achieved in non-cirrhotic patients regardless of the genotype, including GT3 HCV.

Comparative effectiveness of 8 versus 12 weeks of Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/ritonavir and Dasabuvir in treatment-naïve patients infected with HCV genotype 1b with non-advanced hepatic fibrosis.

PURPOSE: Since 2017 treatment-naïve patients infected with genotype 1b of hepatitis C virus and minimal or moderate fibrosis can be treated with Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/ritonavir + Dasabuvir (OPrD) for 8 weeks according to updated Summary of Product Characteristics. The aim of our study was to assess the comparative efficacy of 8 and 12-weeks therapy with OPrD in large cohort of patients eligible for 8 weeks regimen treated in real-world setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed data of 3067 HCV genotype 1b infected patients treated with OPrD between 2015 and 2017. Final analysis included patients with none, minimal or moderate fibrosis (F0-F2). RESULTS: A total of 771 patients were enrolled in the study, including 197 (26%) treated for 8-weeks and 574 patients fulfilling criteria for 8-weeks but assigned to 12-weeks regimen. Majority of patients had no or minimal fibrosis (F0-F1). Longer treatment duration was more often administered in patients with moderate fibrosis, comorbidities, concomitant medications. SVR was achieved in 186 (94%) patients treated for 8 weeks and 558 (97%) for 12 weeks (p = 0.07). After exclusion of lost to follow-up patients, sustained virological response (SVR) rate reached 95% and 99%, respectively (p = 0.01). We were not able to identify factors associated with non-response. CONCLUSIONS: This real-word experience study confirmed similar, high effectiveness of 8 and 12-weeks regimens of OPrD in genotype 1b HCV infected patients with non-advanced fibrosis. Despite of reduced SVR rate after 8-weeks regimen, there is no need to extend therapy to 12-weeks in vast majority of such patients and no need to add ribavirin.

Real-world experience with Grazoprevir/Elbasvir in the treatment of previously "difficult to treat" patients infected with hepatitis C virus genotype 1 and 4.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Grazoprevir/elbasvir (GZR/EBR) was approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 and 4 infected patients with or without compensated liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to assess GZR/EBR regimen in the real-world experience, particularly in previously "difficult-to-treat" patients with chronic kidney diseases, human immunodeficiency virus-coinfected, cirrhotics, and treatment-experienced. METHODS: The analysis included patients treated with GZR/EBR selected from 10 152 individuals from the EpiTer-2 database, large national real-world study evaluating antiviral treatment in 22 Polish hepatology centers between 2015 and 2018. Data were completed retrospectively and submitted online. RESULTS: A total of 1615 patients who started GZR/EBR therapy in 2017 and 2018 with a female predominance (54%) and median age of 54 years were analyzed. The majority were infected with GT1b (89%) and treatment naïve (81%). Liver cirrhosis was diagnosed in 19%, and 70% of patients had comorbidities, of which chronic renal disease was present in 7% and HIV-coinfection in 4%. Overall, a sustained virologic response (SVR) was achieved by 95% according to intent-to-treat (ITT) and 98% after exclusion of lost to follow up (modified ITT). No differences were found in cure rate between all included patients and subpopulations previously considered as difficult-to-treat. Majority of patients completed the treatment course as scheduled, adverse events were mostly mild and did not lead to therapy discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: GZR/EBR treatment carried-out in patients infected with HCV genotype 1 and 4 demonstrated good tolerability and an excellent SVR rate with no effectiveness reduction in so called difficult-to-treat populations.

Real World Experience of Chronic Hepatitis C Retreatment with Genotype Specific Regimens in Nonresponders to Previous Interferon-Free Therapy.

Background and Aim: The development of interferon- (IFN-) free regimens substantially improved efficacy of treatment for HCV, but despite excellent effectiveness the failures still occur. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of retreatment with genotype specific direct acting antivirals- (DAA-) based regimens in nonresponders to previous IFN-free therapy. Materials and Methods: Analysed population consisted of 31 nonresponders to IFN-free regimen, which received second IFN-free rescue therapy, selected from 6228 patients included in a national database EpiTer-2. Results: Age and gender distribution were similar, whereas proportion of genotype 1b was slightly higher and genotype 4 lower in the whole population compared to studied one. Patients included in the study demonstrated much more advanced fibrosis. Primary therapy was discontinued in 12 patients, which were recognized as failures due to nonvirologic reason, whereas virologic reason of therapeutic failure was recognized in 19 patients which completed therapy. Overall sustained virologic response (SVR) rate was 81% and 86% in intent-to-treat (ITT) and modified ITT analysis, respectively (74% and 78% in virologic failures, 92% and 100% in nonvirologic failures). Resistance-associated substitutions (RAS) testing was carried out in 8 patients from the group of completed primary therapy and three of them had potential risk for failure of rescue therapy due to NS5A association, while two of them achieved SVR. Conclusions: We demonstrated moderate effectiveness of genotype specific rescue therapy in failures due to virologic reason and high in those who discontinued primary therapy. Therefore rescue therapy with genotype specific regimens should be considered always if more potent regimens are not available.

Retreatment of symptomatic hepatitis C virus genotype 3 associated mixed cryoglobulinemia with sofosbuvir and ribavirin: a case report.

A 52-year-old woman with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 3 infection developed clinically symptomatic mixed cryoglobulinemia. She started pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy and in week 12 became negative for HCV RNA with resolution of clinical signs of cryoglobulinemia. The dual treatment was discontinued due to interferon-related bilateral retinopathy. After therapy cessation, relapse of HCV RNA and recurrence of symptomatic cryoglobulinemia were observed. While waiting for the antiviral retreatment option she developed glomerulonephritis with renal impairment. Successful HCV eradication was achieved with 24-week treatment of sofosbuvir and ribavirin despite this regimen being considered as suboptimal therapy for genotype 3 HCV infection. A sustained virological response resulted in lasting resolution of clinical symptoms of mixed cryoglobulinemia.

Megamitochondria formation in hepatocytes of patient with chronic hepatitis C - a case report.

Although chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affect 185 million people world-wide, pathomechanism of liver damage is still unclear. Electron microscopy can reveal liver injury in very early stage and help understanding the mechanisms that is crucial in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C. We present the morphological changes in the liver of HCV infected 24-year-old female patient, using light and transmission electron microscopy. Examination by TEM revealed wide range of specific subcellular abnormalities in hepatocellular ultrastructure. The most common observed changes were ring-shaped nuclei with intranuclear inclusion, megamitochondria, and "membranous web" structures - the hallmark of RNA-viruses infection.

Severe intrahepatic cholestasis and liver failure after stanozolol usage - case report and review of the literature.

Stanozolol is a 17α-alkylated synthetic anabolic steroid used illegally by bodybuilders. We present a 19-year-old man who was taking 50 mg of stanozolol intramuscularly, every other day for 2 months, to improve muscle mass. On admission, his bilirubin concentration was 44.34 mg/dl. The serum levels of liver enzymes were normal, with only alanine aminotransferase being slightly elevated. Liver biopsy revealed toxic hepatitis of minor grade with periportal fibrosis and intrahepatic cholestasis. Medical treatment of the patient was conservative. Despite the therapy the patient's general condition deteriorated - bilirubin level increased to 56.64 mg/dl, and INR rose to 1.7. Then we decided to administer low doses of hydrocortisone. As a result of the treatment, bilirubin concentration was 14.61 mg/dl after 2 weeks. Finally all hepatic enzymes returned to normal values 5 months after stanozolol was discontinued. This treatment appears to be safe and leads to a more rapid reduction of bilirubin.

[Pegylated interferon-alfa 2a with ribavirin in chronic viral hepatitis C (final report)]. / Pegylowany interferon alpha-2a z rybawiryna w leczeniu przewleklego wirusowego zapalenia watroby typu C (raport koncowy z badan).

UNLABELLED: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of peginterferon alfa-2a [40KD] (Peg-IFNalpha-2a) plus ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C in an open-label programme in a routine clinical setting in Poland. Patients received Peg-IFNalpha-2a 180mg/week plus ribavirin 800-1200 mg/d for 48 weeks. Sustained virological response (SVR) was defined as undetectable HCV RNA (<50IU/mL) at the end of follow-up (week 72). 466 adults were enrolled. Most patients (87.3%) had genotype 1 infection. 440 subjects (94,4%) completed treatment. The overall SVR rate was 55.7%. A higher SVR rate was obtained in treatment-naïve patients (58.7%) than in relapsers (47.8%; p=0,048). SVR rates in genotype 1 and non-1 patients were 51.1% and 88.5%, respectively (p<0.001). There were significant higher SVR rates in patients with lower baseline fibrosis (p=0,01). There were no differences in SVRs by gender or viral load. Hemoglobin, leukocyte and neutrophil levels decreased significantly during treatment, but returned to baseline after the end of treatment. ALT levels decreased significantly during treatment in patients with and without an SVR. 38.4% of patients experienced adverse events like neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and other. There was one death (severe thrombocytopenia). CONCLUSIONS: The overall SVR achieved in this predominantly genotype 1 population was 55.7%. SVR rates were significantly higher in treatment-naïve patients, those with non-1 genotypes, and in patients with lower baseline fibrosis scores.