Optimal Duration of Treatment for HCV Genotype 1 Infection in Slow Responders: A Meta-Analysis

A head-to-head comparison of the 72-week and 48-week anti-HCV therapies in slow responders with genotype 1 infection has been performed in several randomized clinical trials (RCTs). This review aimed at summarizing and pooling the results of these studies. RCTs that had evaluated the 72-week vs. 48-week anti-HCV therapy (peginterferon and ribavirin) in slow responders with HCV genotype 1 infection were systematically identified. A meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model. Heterogeneity in results was assessed on the basis of the Q statistics، and publication bias was evaluated by using Harbord’s modified test. The end point was set as a sustained virological response (SVR). Data of 1206 subjects were retrieved from 7 studies. A total of 631 patients had received extended therapy. Slow virological responders who received the 72-week therapy had a significantly higher probability of achieving SVR than their counterparts who received the 48-week therapy [RR = 1. 44 (95% CI، 1. 20–1. 73)]. With regard to publication biases، the heterogeneity in funnel plots was not significant (P = 0. 19، I2 = 30%، PHarbord = 0. 1). Our meta-analysis showed that the 72-week therapy with peginterferon and ribavirin is significantly superior to the standard 48-week therapy in slow responderswith HCV genotype 1 infection.