Category Archives: Pediatric Gastroenterology Liver Disease

The more you know the more you see

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And the more you see, the more you know.  Case in point: gestational alloimmune liver disease (GALD), also referred to as congenital alloimmune hepatitis (CAH) which itself is often referred to as neonatal hemochromatosis (NH).  Now, GALD is more readily identifiable and has better treatments to prevent progression to liver-related complications.  A recent study (J Pediatr 2011; 159: 612-16) shows that GALD can result in fetal death; this finding is a relatively logical extension from the work in this area over the last decade but would not have been feasible without the prior recognition that most cases of neonatal hemochromatosis stem from GALD.

GALD is mediated by fetal complement via activation of the terminal complement cascade.  The presence of C5b-9 complex, an antigen that is part of this cascade, is unique to cases of NH and allows diagnosis, particularly in case in which extrahepatic siderosis is not present. In the reference above, a retrospective study enabled autopsies of six stillborn fetuses and two extreme premature infants who had family histories compatible with NH (along with appropriate controls); the autopsy cases were identified as having GALD– based on liver immunostains with C5b-9 complex.  The implications of this study for pediatricians:

  • When faced with a newborn with coagulopathy or liver failure with family history of stillbirth, consider linking the events immediately & evaluate for NH.  However, this clue has limited utility as NH is the most frequent reason for liver failure in newborns; though, many  newborns with liver failure are often treated for sepsis prior to consideration of NH.
  • Establishing a proper diagnosis, allows management of subsequent pregnancies.  GALD is extremely likely to recur in subsequent pregnancies & can be treated by administration of IVIG to expectant at-risk mothers.

Additional references:

  • -J Pediatr 2011; 159: 813.  Study of ALF in young infants.  38% were indeterminate, ~14% NH, 12% herpes.  n=148. 60% survived w/o OLT, 24% died, 16% OLT
  • -Hepatology 2010; 51: 2061 (edit 1888). Fetal hepatocyte injury involves terminal complement cascade –very good article from Whittington et al. NH being renamed ‘congenital alloimmune hepatitis’
  • -J Pediatr 2009; 155: 566-71. n=16. 75% with good outcome –Rx’d with IVIG (1gm/kg) and exchange transfusion (7 had double volume ET and 6 had less). Appeared to reduce need for liver transplant. Some response with regard to hypoglycemia was fairly quick but most parameters like coagulopathy improved slowly ~2 weeks. Previous historical survival ~36%. (5 of 10 w transplant and 2 of 9 w/o transplant).
  • -Pediatrics 2008; 121: e1615. Weekly IVIG during pregnancy after 18th week of gestation very effective in preventing severe NH
  • -Hepatology 2006; 43: 654. Review by Whitington. MRI detects disease in ~90%. Mucosal biopsy abnl in about 2/3rds of patients. Explains iron homeostasis and alloimmunity.
  • -Liver Tx 2005; 11: 1323 (ed), 1417. Medical treatment ineffective, try transplant. “All who drink of this remedy recover in a short time except those whom it does not help, who all die. It is obvious, therefore, that it fails only in incurable cases.” –Galen, circa 100AD
  • -JPGN 2005; 40: 544. NH is probably an alloimmune dz.
  • -Lancet 2004; 364: 1690-8.

A liver disease tsunami

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The extent and consequences of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are far-reaching and like a tsunami will be quite destructive (Gastroenterology 2011; 141: 1249.)  In this article, the epidemilogy of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is discussed.  NAFLD was  the 3rd most common cause of liver transplantation in this cohort (n=35781).  It is projected to be the #1 reason for liver transplantation by 2025.  Although the outcomes in NAFLD are similar to other liver transplant patients, it is difficult to imagine that so many patients will need such an aggressive treatment approach.

Another recent article, discusses the correlation of vitamin E, uric acid, and diet composition with histology in NAFLD (JPGN 2012; 54: 90-96).  This study involved 149 patients.  The study demonstrates that in these patients, their diet is insufficient in Vitamin E intake. Also, although reported sugar-sweetened beverage consumption was low, uric acid which often reflects total fructose consumption was associated with NASH histology.  As noted in the references below, concerns about low antioxidants, especially Vitamin E, as well as sugary beverages has been an ongoing concern for NAFLD for at least a decade.

For pediatric gastroenterologists/hepatologists, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is increasingly common but remains difficult to treat; the best treatment is weight loss.  A recent educational pamphlet was published by the NASPGHAN Foundation (http://www.gastrokids.org/files/documents/digestive%20topics/english/NASPGHAN%20Fatty%20Liver%20Fact%20Sheet%2011.2011%20(1).pdf).  The advice for families is the following:

• Avoid sugar drinks

• Drink mostly water and some low fat milk

• Get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day

• Limit TV and screen time to one hour or less per day

• Make half your plate vegetables at mealtimes

• Eat breakfast everyday

Other things that can harm the liver should be avoided, like drinking alcoholic beverages.  Studies in teens with NAFLD have shown some benefit from the natural form of Vitamin E.

Although this advice applies to patients with NAFLD, it sounds like good advice for everyone.

Additional References:

  • -Hepatology 2011; 54: 1082.  U/S w ~85% sensitivity in detecting fatty liver.
  • -JPGN 2011; 52: 740.  n=20.  Some improvement in LFTs with culturelle
  • -Gastroenterology 2011; 140: 124.  High prevalence in middle aged US cohort: 46% NAFLD, 12% NASH. n=400.
  • -Hepatology 2010; 52: 472.  High dose ursodeoxycholic acid ineffective for NASH in double blind randomized trial. n=185.
  • -Hepatology 2010; 52: 79.  Meta analysis of trials for NAFLD.  No effective Rx at this point.  Thiazolidinediones helped with steatosis/inflammation but caused wt gain.  L-carnitine helped histology in 1 trial.
  • -Hepatology 2010; 51: 1961, 1972. 1– increased fructose assoc with increased fibrosis in NAFLD. 2–increased HCC risk.  Alcohol intake is addt’l risk factor along with NAFLD.  2.6% of NASH pts with HCC (compared w 4% of similar HCV pts).
  • -NEJM 2010; 362: 1675.  n=247.  Vitamin E 800 IU/day helpful.  Pioglitazone not helpful.
  • -Gastroenterology 2010; 138: 905.  Iron overload, but not HFE mutations, associated with more severe NASH
  • -J Hepatol 2009; 51: 918-24.  Soft drinks assoc with fatty liver independent of metabolic syndrome.
  • -Hepatology 2009; 50: 1818.  Lack of benefit from Betaine.
  • -J Pediatr 2009; 155: 469.  Review.  No evidence-based guidelines for treating in pediatrics –main Rx wt loss/exercise.  Consider obtaining ultrasound evidence.
  • -J Hepatology 2009; 51: 371.  risk factors for fibrosis progression.
  • -Hepatology 2009; 50: 68.  Activity helps NAFLD independent of activity level.
  • -JPGN 2009; 48: 587. review of meds.
  • -Gastroenterology 2008; 135: 1961.  Liver biopsy (in pediatrics) still needed as surrogates not accurate for correlating degree of fibrosis/injury.
  • -Gastroenterology 1999; 116: 1413.  spectrum of pathology in NASH.  Bx correlated with outcome
  • -Gastroenterology 1988; 95: 1056.  Sentinel article on NASH ‘alcohol-like liver disease in non-alcoholics’
  • -Clin Gastro & Hep 2008; 6: 1396.  Bariatric surgery appears to improve or resolve NASH. n=15 studies with 766 paired liver biopsies.
  • -Clin Gastro & Hep 2008; 6: 1249.  Cytokeratin 18 levels associated with NASH in at risk patients (bariatric patients). n=99.
  • -Hepatology 2008; 48: 792-98. NASH increased with age and with presence of DM.  Severe fibrosis assoc with ferritin, ALT, and DM.
  • -Gastroenterology 2008; 135: 1176.  n=74.  Use of pioglitazone for NASH was helpful in adult patients.
  • -Hepatology 2008; 48: 119.  Antioxidants Vit C (500mg)/Vit E (600IU) c lifestyle changes was NOT better than lifestyle changes alone. n=53 children. Rx’d for 24 months
  • -Gastroenterology 2008; 134: 1682.  Review.
  • -Clin Gastro & Hep 2008; 6: 26-29.  Review.  Risk factors for NASH: obesity, age>50y, non-black ethnicity, female, type II DM, HTN, AST>45, AST/ALT ratio >0.8-1, low platelet count.  Rec:  exclude other causes, check U/S or CT, if risk factors, conside liver biopsy, lifestyle modification
  • -Gastro 2007; 133: 1814.   Prevalence data for increased ALT from NHANES 1999-2004.
  • -NASPGHAN 2007 Postgraduate Course Jeff Schwimmer.  20% of NAFLD pts have normal wt.  9.6% of all children have NAFLD.
  • -Clin Gastro & Hep 2007; 5: 496.   n=88; 55% of women with PCOS had NAFLD.
  • -Clin Gastro & Hep 2006; 4: 1537.  Combination of Vit E & urso x 2yrs may be beneficial. n=48.  Regression of steatosis  noted in this small study along with improved enzymes.
  • -JPGN 2006; 43: 413.  Invited review of NAFLD.
  • -NEJM 2006; 355: 2297, 2361.  pioglitazone for NASH -helps with histology; not ready for routine use.
  • -Pediatrics 2006; 118: 1388.  Schwimmer.   n=742 autopsy study; estimates 9.6% overall prevalence of fatty liver for ages 2-19 (>6.5 million in U.S.). 38%  obese had steatosis; 23% of all NAFLD had NASH, 9% had bridging fibrosis
  • -Hepatology 2006; 44: 802, 865.  Long term f/u of NASH (avg 13.6yrs): increased cardiovascular deaths (15.5% vs 7.5% control), increased liver-related deaths 2.8% vs. 0.2% controls.  Risk of HCC and cirrhosis proven.
  • -Hepatology 2006; 44: 458.  Prospective study of 84 children; 7%c >grade I fibrosis; 58% with some fibrosis.  Almost all have evidence of insulin resistance
  • -Clin Gastro & Hep 2006; 4: 639.  Orlistat helped decrease ALT and steatosis on U/S beyond its effect on weight reduction.  n=52.  double-blind, placebo-controlled.  Rx 120mg TID x 6 months.
  • -Liver Transplantation 2006; 12: 523.  Review of NAFLD & Liver transplant.  NAFLD likely the main reason for cryptogenic cirrhosis in adults.
  • -Pediatrics 2006; Schwimmer.   n=954 autopsy study, 32% obese had steatosis; 23% of all NAFLD had NASH, 9% had bridging fibrosis
  • -Aliment Pharm Ther 2005; 21: 871.  pilot study of metformin, 500mg bid in children; 50% nl ALT  (equivocal in adults), high insulin in 95% of pts c NASH
  • -J Pediatr 2003; 143:  500-5.
  • -Hepatology 2005; 42: 641-649. pediatric NAFLD pathology
  • -Hepatology 2004; 40: 1387-95.  Nearly 1 in 3 in US have NAFLD.
  • -Clin Gastro Hepatol 2006; 3: 1260.   Alcohol and NASH are synergistically bad. (increase ALT)
  • -J Pedsiatr 2005; 147: 835.  Low adiponectin in children c NAFLD (lower than other overwt children).
  • -Surgery 2004; 135: 48-58.  Wt loss improves liver histology
  • -Gastroenterology 2005; 128: 1898.  Significant sampling variability (can lead to misdiagnosis)
  • -Hepatology 2005; 42: 44. NAFLD in 25% of pts c clinical liver dz & 20% of pts w/o suspected liver dz (n=3345, Italy)
  • -Clin Gastro & Hepatol 2004; 2: 1048 & 1059 (review/editorial) & 1107. pilot study of VIT E vs VIT E/pioglitazone, n=20.
    NASH in 3% lean, 20% obese, & ~50% morbidly obese.  100% of obese/diabetes have at least mild steatosis, 50% c NASH, & ~20% c cirrhosis.
  • -Hepatology 2004; 39: 770-78.  URSO probably doesn’t help NASH.
    -NEJM 2004; 351: 1147.  n=282 obese children; 11% mod obese c incr ALT, 21% of severely obese.
  • -JPGN 2004; 38: 48.  Rx c vitamin E &/or wt loss.  Both are helpful.
  • -J Peds 2003; 143: 500.  Fasting glucose/insulin, ALT/AST, and BMI are predictive of portal inflammation and fibrosis.  1-4% of all children have elevated transaminases (10-25% of all obese patients).
    HOMA-IR =fasting insulin (microU/ml)/ fasting glucose/22.5.  Insulin resistance is when HOMA-IR is greater than 2.  Fibrosis present in 63% of pts, n=43.
  • -JPGN 2003; 37: 342 (47A) use of metformin 500mg bid, n=10; 3 had transient diarrhea/abd pain. (50A) 3/40 children c NASH c early cirrhosis. 31 c portal fibrosis
  • -Gastroenterology 2003; 125: 1053-59.  Obesity increases risk of death due to cirrhosis.
  • -Clinical Gastro & Hepatology 2003; 1: 384-87.  Use of pioglitazone for NAFLD & obesity.
  • -Gastroenterology 2002; 123: 1702-4, 1705-25. AGA position statement and technical review.
  • -Gastroenterology 2003;124: 71-80.  increased ALT in 2.8% of population -mostly in overwt/obese.
  • -JPGN 2002; 36: 54-61.  With MRI,  21 of 22 (BMI>95th%) c elevated hepatic fat; those c abnl ALT, n=12, had more severe cases of fatty liver c fat content >18%.
  • -Ann Intern Med 1989; 111: 473-8.  Clinical dx of nonalcoholic fatty liver dz without Bx has only 59% predictive value.
  • -Gastroenterology 2004; 126: 1287-92.  Pts c elevated liver enzymes (NASH) are not at higher risk for statin hepatotoxicity.
  • -Gastroenterology 2002; 122: 1649-1657.  Review
  • -NEJM 2002; 346: 1221-1231. Review  AST/ALT ratio greater than 1 suggests increased fibrosis.  Consider bx if obese, greater than 45, type 2 DM, or increased AST/ALT ratio.
  • -Hepatology 2002; 35: 1485-93.  significant complications & decreased survival c obesity-related cryptogenic cirrhosis.  higher rates of progressive HCV & HCC c obesity.
  • -Gastroenterology 2001; 121: 710-724.  Review.
    Reasons for Liver Bx  1. poor correlation between clinical/lab findings & histology –thus for staging  2. assure correct dx; may be wrong in ~44%
  • -Clin Gastro & Hepatology 2004; 2: 262.  Coexistant DM worsens outcome in NASH.
  • -J Pediatr 2000; 136: 727. N=2450.  6% of overweight children with increased ALT, 10% of obese children.  1% of obese children with 2x normal.  50% of obese adolescents with alcohol ingestion (4 or more/month) had increased ALT.  Decreased antioxidants, elevated triglycerides, increased age, and increased hgbA1C were addt’l risk factors.
  • -Gastroenterology 2001; 121: 91-100.  HTN, insulin resistance, and ALT were predictors of fibrosis.
  • -J Pediatr 2000; 136: 734. N=11. Daily vitamin E 400-1200 IU/day noramalized ALT in patients c NASH.
  • -J Peddiatr 2000; 136: 739.  Ursodeoxycholic acid is not effective in NASH. N=31.
  • -J Pediatr 1999; 134: 132 & 160..  Low antioxidants with NASH

Minimizing malnutrition in Biliary Atresia

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A retrospective study in Liver Transplantation reviews a single center experience with the use of parenteral nutrition (PN) in patients with end-stage liver disease due to biliary atresia (Liver Transpl 2012; 18: 121-129).  In this study which spanned the past twenty years, 25 PN BA patients were compared to 22 non-PN BA patients –all patients were younger than 36 months.  PN was started when maximal enteral nutrition failed to improve markers of malnutrition (triceps skinfold thickness, & mid-arm circumference).  Among the PN BA patients, there was a higher gastrointestinal bleeding rate and ascites; however, there was no difference in the rates of bacteremia, length of intensive care unit stay after liver transplantation, or patient/graft survival.  The authors speculate that the outcome for the PN BA patients would have been much worse without the PN as malnourished BA patients are at increased risk for graft failure and post-transplant complications.  It is noteworthy that PN patients did have progression of their liver disease that seemed to accelerate with the administration of PN, perhaps due to PN-associated cholestasis.  Specific changes included higher bilirubin levels, lower platelet counts, worsened coagulopathy, and higher calculated PELD scores.

Additional References:

  • Hepatology 2007; 46: 1632-38.  Growth failure and outcomes in infants with BA.
  • J Pediatr 2005; 147: 180-85.  Outcomes of 755 BA patients listed for liver transplantation.

Drink Up!

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Green tea and coffee have a lot of advocates and a number of articles suggest that each can have beneficial effects for the liver.  This month’s Hepatology describes how a green tea component, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), inhibits hepatitis C viral (HCV) entry. ECGC acts by blocking viral attachment to target cells with all HCV genotypes; it does not affect viral replication.  Other components of green tea do not have this effect.  A complete description of green tea components is described in the discussion of the article, Hepatology 2012: 54: 1947-55.  Also, there have been preliminary dosing studies in healthy volunteers which have shown that EGCG is safe at doses of 800mg daily for four weeks.  This would be the equivalent of drinking 8-16 cups of green tea per day (Clin Cancer Res 2003; 9: 3312-19).  In order to eliminate HCV, however, even higher amounts of EGCG would be likely.

 

Coffee also has been studied and has been associated with decreasing liver fibrosis.  In addition, coffee may enhance response to HCV treatments.  To my knowledge, there have not been extensive studies of either coffee or green tea for pediatric patients.

Additional References:

  • -Gastroenterology 2011; 140: 1961. Coffee (3 cups/day) increases response to PEG/RBV in HCV
  • -Hepatology 2009; 51: 201. Coffee decreases fibrosis. n=177.
  • -Hepatology 2009; 50: 1360. Coffee intake associated with slower progression of HCV liver disease
  • -Hepatology 2009; 50: 970. Coffee -2 cups per day decreases risk of liver fibrosis & HCC. Coffee has methylxanthin which inhibits connective tissue growth factor.

Looking for trouble

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Although cirrhosis is an infrequent problem in pediatric gastroenterology, there are several important management aspects.  One of these is surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).  In this month’s Hepatology, Poustchi et al describe the “feasibility of a randomized control trial for liver cancer screening” (Hepatology 2012; 54: 1998 & editorial 1898).  Not surprisingly, the authors conclude that such a trial is not possible with informed consent.  As such, the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness may not be determined.  Although the consensus is in favor of screening, there are potential disadvantages like discovering non-cancer nodules leading towards unnecessary invasive investigations.

The AASLD considers screening for HCC worthwhile in patients with cirrhosis.  When HCC is discovered early, treatment can be effective.  For example, if HCC meets Milan criteria–either 1 tumor <5cm or 2-3 < 3 cm each– OLT has 91% 1 yr survival.

Most U.S. physicians (74%) report that they screen all of their patients with cirrhosis; however,  population-based studies of Medicare patients show only 6.6% receive regular surveillance (Hepatology 2010; 52: 132-41) & only 12% of veterans with HCV-infected cirrhosis (Ann Intern Med 2011; 154: 85-93).  Better ways of consolidating screening can bridge this gap & perhaps catch cases of HCC amenable to treatment.  This may be another area where an EMR can help with patient/doctor reminders.

Current practice recommendations for cirrhotic patients: Ultrasound every 6 months (with or without AFP).  This recommendation is supported by the AASLD, EASL, and APASL.  The efficacy of HCC surveillance is reviewed further in the January “Education Practice” article: Clin Gastro & Hepatatol 2012: 10: 16-21.

Additional references:

  • Gastroenterology 2011; 141: 1240. Risk of HCC from HBV related to ALT and HBV DNA levels.
  • NEJM 2011; 365: 1118. Review. For cirrhotics/advanced liver dz, recs U/S & AFP q6-12months.
  • Hepatology 2010; 53: 1020. updated guidelines from AASLD. Suggests U/S as screen q6months.
  • J Pediatr 2011; 159: 617. BA associated with HCC.
  • Hepatology 2010; 51: 1972. NASH cirrhosis pts develop HCC. 12.8% over .32 yrs (compared with 20.3 % of pts with HCV cirrhosis). Alcohol & age were independent variables that increased risk.
  • Gastroenterology 2009; 137: 110, editorial page 26. AFP has at best 66% sensitivity for HCC.
  • Gastroenterology 2009; 136: 138, 39(ed). HCC occuring c HCV ~1%/yr in HALT-C study. prolonged Rx -not helpful. n=1005. Best surveillance is US. Only 60% of pts c HCC received surveillance. Hepatolgy 2005; 42 : 1208.
  • Gastroenterologyo 2008; 135: 111. DM & obesity associated with increase risk of HCC in patients with HBV/HCV.
  • Gastroenterology 2008; 134: 1612. Increasing LTx for HCC affects others on Tx list.
  • Gastroenterology 2007; 132: 2557. review
  • Clin Gastro & Hep 2006; 4: 252 Review.
  • Hepatology 2005; 42: 1208. AASLD guidelines for management.
  • Gastroenterology 2004 (November) 127; supplement 1:S1–S323. Review of HCC. S108: screen with alpha-fetoprotein AND U/S every 6-12 months in individuals with cirrhosis or advanced disease (not needed in individuals with mild disease).
  • Clinical Gastro & Hep 2003; 1: 10-18. Review.
  • Gastroenterology 2004; 126: 1005. HCC survival improved when detected as part of surveillance.

The cost of progress in treating Hepatitis C

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Background information on Hepatitis C (HCV):

  • —170 million people worldwide infected with HCV, 2.7 milllion people in U.S. infected
  • —27% of worldwide cases of cirrhosis are due to HCV
  • —25% of cases of hepatocellular carcinoma are due to HCV
  • —Established treatment with pegylated interferon (PEG IFN) and ribavirin have ~40% response rates in genotype 1 (74% of HCV in U.S.) and relapses are not uncommon among responders

New treatments for Hepatitis C (in combination with previous treatments):

  • —Two new drugs: Boceprevir (BOC) & Telaprevir (TVR)
  • —Overall sustained viral response (SVR) with BOC combination 63-66% vs 73-79% with TVR combination treatment
  • —Both trials demonstrate marked improvement over previous
  • Mechanism of action: —Protease inhibitor binding to NS3 HCV target
  • —BOC: Wholesale cost $1100/week (20-44 weeks)
  • —TVR: 12weeks cost: $49,000
Previous treatments for hepatitis C typically cost about $5000 per month (http://www.familydrugguide.com/family/ub/view/Consumer_Reports_Health/526033/4/hepatitis_c_drugs).  The addition of these newer drugs could add another $50,000 to the cost of treatment.  In some cases which respond well to the newer treatments, shorter treatment periods will lower the increase in cost.  Although these drugs are expensive, they may be lifesaving and may obviate the need for liver transplantation.  Due to the potential complications of HCV, more medications are in the pipeline.  They may be easier to take but are likely to be expensive as well.  The safety & effectiveness of these medications have not been demonstrated in published pediatric studies.
Article References:
  • Hepatology 2011; 54: 1433.  Updated AASLD HCV treatment guidelines
  • NEJM 2011; 364: 1195-206, Editorial pg. 1272. Addition of boceprevir, in 1097 previously untreated pts increased SVR. In whites, 40%–>67% & in blacks from 23% –>42%. Medication given after lead-in of 4 weeks. More frequent anemia in boceprevir-treated patients (SPRINT-2 study).Boceprevir dosing: 800mg (4 capsules) TID with food. (trying to space out doses evenly).
  • NEJM 2011; 365: 1014. n=540. Telaprevir study: extended SVR 72%. In pts with rapid viral response (RVR) at 4 & 12 weeks (no detectable HCV), Telaprevir12weeksPegRbv24 was as effective as Telprevir12weeksPegRbv48. Dosing for study: Teleprevir 750mg TID, PEGalfa-2a 180mcg/wk, RBV1-1.2gm per day.  Rash in 37% (severe in 5%), anemia in 39% (severe in 6%).
  • NEJM 2011; 364: 2405, 2417, 2429 (review). Telaprevir addition:  up to 75% response in HCV genotype 1 pts. n=1095 in 1st study, n=833 in 2nd study (re-treatment study)
  • Gastroenterology 2011; 140: 746. Summary of results of boceprevir (used with IFN -alfa 2b 1.5/kg) & telaprevir (used with IFN -alfa 2a 180mcg). “Similar effectiveness” thus far. Telaprevir used for 12 weeks without lead-in period.  TVR: most frequent problem -rash & then anemia.  In practice, dosing in adults: Telaprevir will be used at 750mg TID in combination with IFN-2a 180mcg & RBV 1-1.2g/d. & used for 1st 12 weeks of Rx. This will allow ~50% of patients to have shorter Rx duration:  if HCV RNA RVR –>24week total vs 48week total in those w/o RVR.  Both drugs best for genotype 1.