Objective: To investigate the predictive value of HCV RNA in PBMC of patients with chronic hepatitis C to IFN treatment.
Methods: The HCV RNAs in PBMC were detected at the end of treatment, and 24 week and 1 year follow up after end treatment, in 16 patients who acquired complete response to IFN in 12 weeks of 24 weeks therapy.
Results: 9 patients were HCV RNA positive in their PBMC at the end of treatment, the serum HCV RNA of 8 turned positive after 24 weeks and 1 year follow-up. In 7 patients with negative HCV RNA in PBMC, only two patients relapsed in serum HCV RNA after 1 year follow-up, and others remained viral response after 3.5 years.
Conclusion: HCV RNA in PBMC at the end of treatment was a predictor of the durable response to antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis C.