Prophylaxis for ribavirin-related anemia using eicosapentaenoic acid in chronic hepatitis C patients

  1. Mitsuyoshi Suzuki1,*,
  2. Eisuke Inage1,
  3. Kei Minowa1,
  4. Nobutomo Saito1,
  5. Nakayuki Naritaka1,
  6. Mayuko Tsubahara1,
  7. Yoshikazu Ohtsuka1,
  8. Akifumi Tokita2,
  9. Toshiaki Shimizu1

Article first published online: 19 APR 2012

DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-200X.2012.03603.x

Issue

Pediatrics International

Pediatrics International

Volume 54, Issue 4, pages 528–531, August 2012

Additional Information

How to Cite

Suzuki, M., Inage, E., Minowa, K., Saito, N., Naritaka, N., Tsubahara, M., Ohtsuka, Y., Tokita, A. and Shimizu, T. (2012), Prophylaxis for ribavirin-related anemia using eicosapentaenoic acid in chronic hepatitis C patients. Pediatrics International, 54: 528–531. doi: 10.1111/j.1442-200X.2012.03603.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Pediatrics, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo

  2. 2

    Tokita Genki Clinic, Shizuoka, Japan

*Mitsuyoshi Suzuki, MD PhD, Department of Pediatrics, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan. Email: f-mitsuo@zc5.so-net.ne.jp

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 26 JUL 2012
  2. Article first published online: 19 APR 2012
  3. Accepted manuscript online: 29 FEB 2012 08:01AM EST
  4. Received 16 July 2011; revised 12 January 2012; accepted 17 February 2012.

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Keywords:

  • eicosapentaenoic acid;
  • ribavirin-related anemia;
  • chronic hepatitis C;
  • pegylated interferon α-2b

Abstract

Background:  Ribavirin-related anemia is a serious side-effect of the pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy used for hepatitis C, and may be cause for a reduction in ribavirin dose or even cessation of treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prophylactic effects of oral eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) supplementation on ribavirin-induced hemolytic anemia in pediatric and young adult patients.

Methods:  Twelve chronic hepatitis C patients ranging in age from 3 to 21 years (mean, 13.9 ± 5.1 years) who received pegylated interferon α-2b and ribavirin combination therapy were randomized to either the control group (n= 6) or EPA group (n= 6). Blood samples were collected before, and at 4, 8, and 16 weeks after treatment to measure clinical laboratory parameters.

Results:  The reduction in hemoglobin levels of the EPA group was significantly ameliorated at 8 and 16 weeks when compared to the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in plasma ribavirin concentrations between the two groups during the treatment. However, one patient in the control group had a reduction in ribavirin dose.

Conclusion:  EPA supplementation prevented ribavirin-induced hemolytic anemia during combination therapy with pegylated interferon α-2b and ribavirin in pediatric and young adult patients.

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