TY - JOUR
T1 - Hematologic disorders associated with hepatitis C virus infection and their management
AU - Dieterich, Douglas T.
AU - Spivak, Jerry L.
PY - 2003/8/15
Y1 - 2003/8/15
N2 - More than 4 million people in the United States are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). During the next 20-30 years, the burden of HCV-related mortality and morbidity will likely double. To date, the most effective treatment for chronic HCV infection is the combination of either interferon (IFN)-α or pegylated IFN-α and ribavirin. For a sustained virologic response, treatment adherence and dose maintenance are essential. However, both IFN-α and ribavirin induce hematologic toxicity, such as anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia, which can compromise treatment adherence and dose maintenance and could, therefore, potentially influence outcomes. Although there are currently no approved treatments for hematologic complications of HCV therapy, studies have shown that hematopoietic growth factors can provide significant benefits. This review highlights the pharmacology, risks, and benefits of recombinant hematopoietic growth factor therapy in HCV-infected patients.
AB - More than 4 million people in the United States are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). During the next 20-30 years, the burden of HCV-related mortality and morbidity will likely double. To date, the most effective treatment for chronic HCV infection is the combination of either interferon (IFN)-α or pegylated IFN-α and ribavirin. For a sustained virologic response, treatment adherence and dose maintenance are essential. However, both IFN-α and ribavirin induce hematologic toxicity, such as anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia, which can compromise treatment adherence and dose maintenance and could, therefore, potentially influence outcomes. Although there are currently no approved treatments for hematologic complications of HCV therapy, studies have shown that hematopoietic growth factors can provide significant benefits. This review highlights the pharmacology, risks, and benefits of recombinant hematopoietic growth factor therapy in HCV-infected patients.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0042442463&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1086/376971
DO - 10.1086/376971
M3 - Review article
C2 - 12905138
AN - SCOPUS:0042442463
SN - 1058-4838
VL - 37
SP - 533
EP - 541
JO - Clinical Infectious Diseases
JF - Clinical Infectious Diseases
IS - 4
ER -