PEG-IFN Plus Ribavirin Combination Therapy for Older Patients

Inclusion Criteria: * A prospective study of 2270 Japanese patients aged 18 years or older treated with PEG-IFN alpha-2b plus RBV was done between December 2004 and July 2008. * All positive for both antibody to HCV and HCV-RNA for over six months and were enrolled. Exclusion Criteria: * Clinical or biochemical evidence of hepatic decompensation. * Advanced cirrhosis identified by large esophageal varices (F2 or F3). * History of gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites, encephalopathy, or hepatocellular carcinoma. * Hemoglobin level \< 11.5g/L, white blood cell count \< 3×10９/Ｌ，and platelet count \< 50×10９/Ｌ. * Concomitant liver disease other than hepatitis C(hepatitis B surface antigen positive or HIV positive). * Excessive active alcohol consumption \> 60 g/day or drug abuse. * Severe psychiatric disease. * Antiviral or corticosteroid therapy within 12 months prior to the enrollment.