The impact of combination therapy with peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin on the energy intake and body weight of adult hepatitis C patients

[Guest guest]

J Hum Nutr Diet. 2008 Jul 18. [Epub ahead of print]

The impact of combination therapy with peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin on

the energy intake and body weight of adult hepatitis C patients.

Hamer C.

Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, St 's Hospital, London, UK.

Background It is recognized that interferon therapy has an adverse effect on the

appetite and nutritional status of children with hepatitis B and C. No similar

studies have been undertaken in adults. The aim of the present study was to

determine if and how combination therapy with peginterferon alfa-2a and

ribavirin affects energy intake and body weight in adult hepatitis C patients. A

secondary aim was to investigate whether any changes are related to the presence

of perceived side effects of treatment. Methods The energy intake of 15 adult

hepatitis C patients was measured using a 3-day food diary. A visual analogue

scale (VAS) was used to investigate patients' perception of fatigue, appetite

and nausea. These measurements and body weight were taken before the start of

treatment and at weeks 1, 3, 11, 24 and 28 in order to assess changes at

intervals throughout interferon therapy. Results Fourteen patients (93%) lost

weight during therapy. The greatest rate of mean [95% confidence interval (CI)]

weight loss occurred at week 1 [1.64% (0.95-2.33)]. Weight loss continued until

week 24. The greatest decrease in mean (95% CI) energy intake occurred at week 1

[9.74% (0.78-18.70)]. Mean VAS scores for fatigue, loss of appetite and nausea

increased at week 1 and remained above pretreatment levels throughout the study

period. Conclusion Adult hepatitis C patients treated with a combination of

peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin are likely to experience decreased energy

intake and weight loss during treatment. This may be related to the impact of

side effects of treatment and may require dietetic intervention.

PMID: 18647213 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]