Long-term combined therapy with very-low-dose peginterferon and ursodeoxycholic acid decreased the spleen size in a patient with hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis

Abstract

A 42-year-old woman with hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis underwent peginterferon alpha-2b therapy combined with ribavirin but could not achieve a sustained viral response. Following discontinuation of this combined therapy, the patient's serum transaminase levels suddenly became elevated. Therefore, the administration of very-low-dose peginterferon alpha-2a with ursodeoxycholic acid was introduced. Thereafter, the patient's serum transaminase levels gradually improved. Four years later, enhanced computed tomography showed shrinkage of the spleen and enlargement of the liver. Long-term combined therapy with very-lowdose peginterferon and ursodeoxycholic acid may be effective not only in preventing disease progression, but also in improving portal hypertension in patients hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis. © 2013 The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine.