Study on Chronic Hepatitis C Treatment With Interferon Alpha, Ribavirin and Amantadine in Naive Patients

Inclusion Criteria: * Anti-HCV positivity \>6 months * ALT and/or AST elevation on at least once in the previous 6 months * Positive HCV-RNA * Liver biopsy within one year before the start of therapy in non- cirrhosis. In the case of known cirrhosis, liver biopsy is not necessary * Intention to be treated and participate treatment * Obtained written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Age \< 18 years * Pregnancy or intention to get pregnant within the 12 months period of treatment and up to 6 months after discontinuation of therapy, no adequate contraception, lactation * Men not practicing or willing to practice acceptable methods of contraception during the treatment period and up to 6 months after discontinuation of therapy * Life expectancy \< 1 year * Child Pugh B or C (Appendix III) * Creatinine \> 150 μmol/L or \> 1.70 mg/dl * Haemoglobulin \< 6.5 mmol/l or \< 10.5 g/dl * White blood cell count \< 2,5 x 109/L, neutrophil \< 1,5 x 109/L * Platelet count \< 70 x 109/L * HIV positivity * Chemotherapy, systematical antiviral treatment during the 6 months prior to study entry * Other serious disease (e.g. malignancy, uncontrolled myocardial disease or severe arrhythmias) * Active uncontrolled psychiatric disorders and suicidal leanings * Patients with a history of uncontrolled seizure or other significant CNS dysfunction * Any condition which in the opinion of the (co-)investigator might interfere with the evaluation of the study objectives