Which of the following statements are correct for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B with pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN)? 1. PEG-IFN is poorly tolerated drug as compared to nucleoside analogues. 2. Resistance to treatment with PEG-IFN is common than nucleoside analogues. 3. PEG-IFN is not useful in patients of cirrhosis. 4. PEG-IFN is administered every week for 48 weeks. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Analysis of PEG-IFN Treatment Statements for Hepatitis B
This solution analyzes the provided statements regarding the use of pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) treatment.
Statement Evaluation
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Statement 1: PEG-IFN is poorly tolerated as compared to nucleoside analogues.
This statement is correct. PEG-IFN therapy is associated with various side effects, including flu-like symptoms, depression, and hematological changes. Nucleoside analogues generally have a more favorable tolerability profile with fewer systemic adverse effects.
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Statement 2: Resistance to treatment with PEG-IFN is commoner than with nucleoside analogues.
This statement is incorrect. Viral resistance develops less frequently with PEG-IFN compared to nucleoside analogues, particularly older ones. Resistance is a more significant clinical concern with long-term nucleoside analogue use.
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Statement 3: PEG-IFN is not useful in patients of cirrhosis.
This statement is considered correct in the context of clinical practice. While PEG-IFN might be considered for compensated cirrhosis, it carries significant risks, such as exacerbating autoimmune conditions or psychiatric issues, and is often contraindicated or less preferred, especially in decompensated cirrhosis, compared to nucleoside analogues.
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Statement 4: PEG-IFN is administered every week for 48 weeks.
This statement is correct. The standard duration for PEG-IFN treatment in CHB is 48 weeks, with administration typically occurring once weekly via subcutaneous injection.
Determining the Correct Option
Based on the evaluation:
- Statements 1, 3, and 4 are correct.
- Statement 2 is incorrect.
Therefore, the option including statements 1, 3, and 4 is the correct answer.
Important Questions from Liver Diseases
Which of the following are precipitating factors for hepatic encephalopathy ?
1. Hypokalemia
2. Septicemia
3. Increased dietary protein load
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- Which one of the following statements is correct regarding Upper Gastro Intestinal Bleeding (UGIB)?
- Crigler-Najjar syndrome Type-I is inherited as an:
- Poorly absorbed antibiotics are often used as adjunctive therapies in patients with hepatic encephalopathy. These may include :
When the serum ascites to albumin gradient (SAAG) is less than 1.1 gm/dL, then which of the following causes of ascites may be considered?
1. Infection
2. Malignancy
3. Cardiac ascites
4. Portal hypertension
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
