Early loss of serum hepatitis C virus RNA can predict a sustained response to interferon therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Abstract

Our study confirms that the early response to IFN (loss of HCV RNA at the end of the first week of IFN therapy) can be a predictor of the subsequent sustained response to IFN therapy. Additionally, positivity of HCV RNA at the fourth week of IFN therapy can be a predictor of the subsequent nonsustained response to IFN therapy.