BACKGROUND/AIMS: Interferon plus ribavirin is the most effective therapy for chronic hepatitis C. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chronic hepatitis C and therapy on health-related quality of life and work functioning. METHODS:Nine hundred and twelve patients with hepatitis C infection were randomized in a controlled trial of Interferon alpha 2b 3 MU tiw for 24 or 48 weeks plus ribavirin 1000-1200 mg or placebo. Questionnaire-based assessments of health-related quality of life and work functioning were performed before, during, and after treatment. Outcome measures included the SF-36 Health Survey and additional generic and specific scales. Work functioning was assessed as missed days, shorter hours or less productivity at work. RESULTS:Pre-treatment, patients had significant impairment in five of eight SF-36 concepts compared to matched population norms. Sustained responders had a return to normal for four of these five concepts. Quality of life did not improve in non-responders. Improvements in histology, viral load or ALT values predicted improvements in quality of life. Sustained responders also had improvements in work functioning and productivity. CONCLUSIONS:Hepatitis C patients had impaired quality of life. After combination therapy, sustained virologic responders achieved benefits in their quality of life and work functioning.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Interferon plus ribavirin is the most effective therapy for chronic hepatitis C. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chronic hepatitis C and therapy on health-related quality of life and work functioning. METHODS: Nine hundred and twelve patients with hepatitis C infection were randomized in a controlled trial of Interferon alpha 2b 3 MU tiw for 24 or 48 weeks plus ribavirin 1000-1200 mg or placebo. Questionnaire-based assessments of health-related quality of life and work functioning were performed before, during, and after treatment. Outcome measures included the SF-36 Health Survey and additional generic and specific scales. Work functioning was assessed as missed days, shorter hours or less productivity at work. RESULTS: Pre-treatment, patients had significant impairment in five of eight SF-36 concepts compared to matched population norms. Sustained responders had a return to normal for four of these five concepts. Quality of life did not improve in non-responders. Improvements in histology, viral load or ALT values predicted improvements in quality of life. Sustained responders also had improvements in work functioning and productivity. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatitis C patients had impaired quality of life. After combination therapy, sustained virologic responders achieved benefits in their quality of life and work functioning.
Authors: Hla-Hla Thein; Tony Butler; Murray Krahn; William Rawlinson; Michael H Levy; John M Kaldor; Gregory J Dore Journal: J Urban Health Date: 2006-03 Impact factor: 3.671
Authors: E Sinakos; E Gigi; T Lalla; A-L Bellou; A Sykja; E Orphanou; E Vrettou; V Tsapas; M Raptopoulou Journal: Hippokratia Date: 2010-04 Impact factor: 0.471
Authors: K K Snow; H L Bonkovsky; R J Fontana; H-Y Kim; R K Sterling; A M Di Bisceglie; T R Morgan; J L Dienstag; M G Ghany Journal: Aliment Pharmacol Ther Date: 2010-01-12 Impact factor: 8.171