Danazol in the treatment of thrombocytopenia associated with the use of peg‐interferon alfa 2a and Ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of danazol in thrombocytopenia associated with the use of peg‐interferon alfa2a y ribavirin (IFN + RIBA) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (HCV). A clinical trial open, prospective, with historical control in patients with chronic HCV infection (confirmed by PCR) was carried out. We included patients who had platelets less than 90,000/mm3 and were under treatment with IFN + RIBA. Danazol (300 – 600 mg/day) was administered by a minimum of six months and until the end of treatment with IFN + RIBA. The monitoring was performed by a monthly analysis of platelets and liver function tests. The viral load was done at the beginning and at the end of treatment. 47 patients initiated danazol therapy along with IFN + RIBA but only 42 completed it, and 28 had a sustained viral response. Treatment with danazol, not only resulted in a detention in the decline in the platelets, but also there was a slight increase of 3 000 plaquetas/mm3 per month. It was also noted a reduction in ALT levels, but did not reach the normal values. We found an increase in levels of fibrinogen too which correlates with the increase in the platelets. Similarly, it was noted that the increase in the number of platelets correlated with a decrease in the activity of ALT. In conclusion, danazol could be used along with the IFN + RIBA for treating the thrombocytopenia in patients with HCV.