None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The standard treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection is pegylated interferon alpha combined with ribavirin. Anaemia is a common complication occurring in up to 30% of subjects. Unfortunately, side effects of interferon and ribavirin therapy can require dose reductions, reducing the likelihood of sustained viral response. Recent data shows that interferon alpha may increase hepcidin (a key iron regulator) production, resulting in impaired iron availability for production of red blood cells. In this study, we will evaluate hepcidin levels in 30 patients with Hepatitis C who are treated with interferon alpha containing regimens as per standard of care treatment. If hepcidin plays a role in interferon-induced anaemia, cheap and readily available oral hepcidin inhibitors could be trialled to potentially reduce the impact of interferon alpha induced anaemia.
Interventions
Subcutaneous weekly pegylated interferon alpha containing regimens as per standard treatment. The dosages for interferon and ribavirin are as per therapeutic guidelines and are based on weight, genotype and previous treatments. Patients will be observed during their Hep C treatment for up to 24 weeks.
Sponsors
Prof John Olynyk
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Intervention model
Single group
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
0 to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
We will prospectively study 30 consecutive patients with Hepatitis C infection that are being treated with interferon alpha and ribavirin at Fremantle hospital.
Exclusion criteria
participation in other clinical trials.
Outcome results
None listed