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VOLUME 2 , ISSUE 1 ( January-June, 2012 ) > List of Articles

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Impact of Pentoxifylline and Vitamin E on Ribavirin-induced Hemolytic Anemia in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients: An Egyptian Survey

Mehdat Assem, M Yousri

Citation Information : Assem M, Yousri M. Impact of Pentoxifylline and Vitamin E on Ribavirin-induced Hemolytic Anemia in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients: An Egyptian Survey. Euroasian J Hepatogastroenterol 2012; 2 (1):35-40.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10018-1029

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 01-08-2018

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2012; The Author(s).


Abstract

Background: The present study aimed to elucidate the impact of combined pentoxifylline and high-dose vitamin E supplementation on Ribavirin (RBV)-induced hemolytic anemia in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Patients and methods: A total of 200 treatment-naïve chronic CHC patients were randomized into two groups to receive either the standard antiviral therapy and pentoxifylline (800 mg) and high-dose vitamin E (1000 IU) daily (combined group) or standard antiviral therapy and placebo (control group). They were followed-up to assess occurrence of anemia and virological responses respectively. Results: Dose modification of RBV due to anemia was significantly lower in combined group (8.5%) compared to control group (21.5%) (p < 0.05). Withdrawal from therapy due to severe anemia (Hb < 8.5 gm/dl) was recorded only in six (28.6%) patients of the control group. Both end of treatment response (ETR) and sustained virological response (SVR) were significantly higher in combined group compared to control (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Pentoxifylline and vitamin E can ameliorate RBVassociated hemolysis; improve compliance and virologic clearance, when combined with the standard antiviral therapy in patients with CHC.


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