Effectiveness of multidisciplinary approach in patients undergoing therapy for chronic hepatitis C

Objective: To assess the effect of a multidisciplinary approach on the outcome of treatment for hepatitis C virus infection. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the gastroenterology division by primary care providers at Phoenix VA Healthcare system in Phoenix, Arizona, United States, and comprised clinical and laboratory data of all hepatitis C patients treated between November 2002 and December 2006. The patients were clinically evaluated to determine whether they were candidates for treatment with pegylated interferon α-2a or α-2b plus ribavirin. Patients were given detailed orientation prior to the therapy, and were closely monitored during the treatment. Results: Of the 295 patients, 179(60.7%) received pegylated interferon α-2b and ribavirin and 116(39.3%) received pegylated interferon α-2a and ribavirin. Overall, 202(68.47%) had genotype 1 and 93 (31.52%) had non-genotype 1. Age range was 35 to 66 years (mean 51±8.51 and Mean BMI was 28.2±4.22), and the majority was Caucasian males who served in the Vietnam era. The overall sustained virological response was 120(40.7%). Conclusion: High sustained virological response was achieved among the participants.