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  • Title: Managing the hematologic side effects of antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C: anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia.
    Author: Ong JP, Younossi ZM.
    Journal: Cleve Clin J Med; 2004 May; 71 Suppl 3():S17-21. PubMed ID: 15468613.
    Abstract:
    Hematologic abnormalities such as anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia are common during combination therapy with pegylated (or standard) interferon and ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C. Ribavirin-induced hemolytic anemia is a common cause of dose reduction or discontinuation. Bone marrow suppression also contributes to the anemia and is the predominant mechanism for interferon-induced neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Although dose reduction or discontinuation of combination therapy can reverse these abnormalities, they may reduce virologic response. Hematopoietic growth factors may provide a useful alternative for managing these hematologic side effects without reducing the optimal dose of the combination antiviral regimen. Treatment of anemia also may improve patients' health-related quality of life and their adherence to combination antiviral therapy. The impact of growth factors on sustained virologic response and their cost-effectiveness in patients with chronic hepatitis C need further assessment.
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