RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Managing the hematologic side effects of antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C JF Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine JO Cleve Clin J Med FD Cleveland Clinic SP S17 OP S21 VO 71 IS 5 suppl 3 A1 Ong, Janus P. A1 Younossi, Zobair M. YR 2004 UL http://www.ccjm.org/content/71/5_suppl_3/S17.abstract AB Hematologic abnormalities such as anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia are common during combination therapy with pegylated (or standard) interferon and ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C. Ribavirin-induced hemolytic anemia is a common cause of dose reduction or discontinuation. Bone marrow suppression also contributes to the anemia and is the predominant mechanism for interferon-induced neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Although dose reduction or discontinuation of combination therapy can reverse these abnormalities, they may reduce virologic response. Hematopoietic growth factors may provide a useful alternative for managing these hematologic side effects without reducing the optimal dose of the combination antiviral regimen. Treatment of anemia also may improve patients’ health-related quality of life and their adherence to combination antiviral therapy. The impact of growth factors on sustained virologic response and their cost-effectiveness in patients with chronic hepatitis C need further assessment.