Hemochromatosis Gene Mutations: Prevalence and Effects on Pegylated-Interferon and Ribavirin Therapy Response in Chronic Hepatitis C in Sardinia

The literature shows discordant results about the prevalence, hepatic distribution and possible therapeutic implications of iron overload in chronic hepatitis C. Our findings shows that HFE gene mutations could favor, synergically with CHC and other genetic or acquired factors, the development of liver damage and could influence the outcome of interferon treatment with higher rate of non-response.