Observational Study
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2016.
World J Gastroenterol. Nov 21, 2016; 22(43): 9613-9622
Published online Nov 21, 2016. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i43.9613
Table 8 Adverse events and treatment modifications (n = 288) n (%)
48 wk treatment (n = 162)24 wk treatment (n = 126)
Dose reduction
Any dose reduction34 (21.0)20 (15.9)
Peg-IFN only3 (1.9)6 (4.8)
Ribavirin only13 (8.0)4 (3.2)
Both peg-IFN and ribavirin18 (11.1)10 (7.9)
Hematological adverse events
Hemoglobin reduction = 1.5 g/dL from pretreatment value121 (74.7)85 (67.5)
Erythropoietin use99 (61.1)62 (49.2)
Severe anemia (Hgb < 7 g/dL)4 (2.5)3 (2.4)
WBC < 4000 cells/mm3110 (67.9)86 (68.3)
Platelet reduction < 150000 cells/mm375 (46.3)72 (57.1)
General adverse events
Fatigue115 (71)89 (70.6)
Poor appetite92 (56.8)82 (65.1)
Itchiness16 (9.9)11 (8.7)
Skin rash5 (3.1)0 (0)
Joint pain20 (12.3)13 (10.3)
Myalgia/muscle aches9 (5.6)8 (6.3)
Hair loss34 (21)17 (13.5)
Dizziness36 (22.2)31 (24.6)
Insomnia63 (38.9)49 (38.9)
Irritability5 (3.1)2 (1.6)
Depression13 (8.0)5 (4.0)
Thyroid dysfunction7 (4.3)1 (0.8)