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High-dose vitamin E supplementation does not diminish ribavirin-associated haemolysis in hepatitis C treatment with combination standard alpha-interferon and ribavirin. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2004 Nov 15;20(10):1189-93

Date

12/01/2004

Pubmed ID

15569122

DOI

10.1111/j.1365-2036.2004.02260.x

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-10644222799 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   20 Citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Ribavirin is associated with haemolytic anaemia. Antioxidants have been reported to decrease severity of this anaemia.

AIM: To determine effect of vitamin E supplementation on ribavirin-associated haemolysis in chronic hepatitis C treated with standard alpha-interferon and ribavirin.

METHODS: Fifty-one naive chronic hepatitis C patients were randomized to receive either alpha-interferon/ribavirin therapy (control) or therapy plus vitamin E 800 IU b.d. with 24-week follow-up. Alanine aminotransferase ALT, haemoglobin and reticulocyte percentage were monitored. Symptoms and health-related quality of life were also monitored at each visit.

RESULTS: Forty-seven subjects were treated (27 vitamin E /20 controls). Thirteen withdrew because of adverse effects or non-compliance. Groups were similar in demographics, genotype and baseline lab indices. Comparison with baseline, treatment and follow-up values showed a significant haemoglobin and ALT reduction in both groups. There was no significant difference in haemoglobin and reticulocyte percentage between groups. Sustained viral response was not significantly different between vitamin E (11/18) and control (6/16) groups. Three patients required ribavirin dose-reduction in the vitamin E group compared with two controls. Health-related quality of life during and end-of-treatment was not different between groups.

CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin E supplementation alone during standard alpha-interferon and ribavirin therapy does not appear to diminish ribavirin-associated haemolysis.

Author List

Saeian K, Bajaj JS, Franco J, Knox JF, Daniel J, Peine C, McKee D, Varma RR, Ho S, Midwest Hepatitis Study Group

Author

Kia Saeian MD Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Antioxidants
Antiviral Agents
Drug Therapy, Combination
Female
Hemolysis
Hepatitis C, Chronic
Humans
Male
Quality of Life
Ribavirin
Vitamin E