Interferon-gamma With Interferon Alpha and Ribavirin for Hepatitis C Non-responders

Inclusion Criteria:

• Non-responders and relapsers to previous interferon and ribavirin therapy given for six months
• HCV genotype 3
• Compensated liver disease
• Hb ≥10 g/dl (females),≥11 g/dl (males)
• Platelets count ≥ 100,000 / cubic mm
• Neutrophils count ≥1,500/cubic mm
• ≥18 years to ≤ 70 years.
• At least one abnormal ALT value in the last year.
• TSH level within normal limits.
• Non pregnant adult females.
• Absence of drug or alcohol abuse.
• Informed consent given by the patient

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient younger than 18 yrs and older than 70 yrs.
• Hepatitis B or HIV co-infection.
• Severe renal dysfunction or creatinine clearance less than 50 ml/min
• Pregnant women or breast feeding women.
• Suspected hypersensitivity to Interferon alpha, gamma or ribavirin.
• Decompensated liver cirrhosis.
• History or any other evidence of other causes of CLD other than hepatitis C infection ( like hemochromatosis,, autoimmune hepatitis, metabolic liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, toxin exposure, Wilson's disease,Drug induced liver disease)
• Active malignant disease.
• Any known pre-existing medical condition that could interfere with subject's participation or completion of study such as psychiatric condition, seizures disorder requiring medications, co existing heart diseases, lung diseases, poorly controlled diabetes, auto immune diseases, gout)
• History of interferon and/or ribavirin intolerance