Efficacy and safety of ribavirin plus pegylated interferon alfa in geriatric patients with chronic hepatitis <scp>C</scp>

Abstract

Compared with middle-aged patients, the therapeutic efficacy of pegylated interferon plus ribavirin therapy is lower in hepatitis C virus-infected geriatric patients with an acceptable withdrawal rate. Considering prolonged lifespan in geriatric patients, we recommend treating geriatric hepatitis C virus-infected patients who have significant hepatic fibrosis and no other health problems.