Safety profile of standard- vs. high-dose peginterferon alfa-2a plus standard-dose ribavirin in HCV genotype 1/4 patients: pooled analysis from 5 randomized studies

Abstract

Objective: This analysis examines the safety profile of standard- versus high-dose peginterferon alfa-2a.

Methods: Data were pooled from five trials including HCV genotype 1- or 4-infected naive and treatment-experienced patients (n = 2,940). Patients were randomized to receive peginterferon alfa-2a at 180 μg/week (standard-dose; n = 1,672) or 360 μg/week (high-dose; n = 1,268) plus ribavirin 1,000/1,200 mg/day for 12 weeks; after 12 weeks, all received standard dose. This safety analysis was restricted to the first 12 weeks.

Results: In standard and high-dose groups, similar frequencies of serious adverse events (SAEs, 3.2 and 4.2%, respectively) and treatment discontinuations for safety reasons (2.8 and 2.9%) were reported. More patients reported weight decrease as an adverse event (AE) in the 360 μg/week group (7.7 vs. 3.3%). Significant (p < 0.05) independent predictors for discontinuation due to safety were older age, male gender, lower albumin and low neutrophil count, but not the starting dose of peginterferon alfa-2a. Although more laboratory abnormalities were reported in patients receiving high-dose peginterferon alfa-2a, this was not reflected in AEs or discontinuations, suggesting these are adequately managed by dose modification.

Conclusions: High-dose peginterferon alfa-2a for 12 weeks does not significantly increase the incidence of SAEs or discontinuations for safety reasons, beyond that of a standard dose regimen.