[The use of hepatoprotector LiverPro in combined therapy of chronic viral hepatitis C].

We analysed clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, nature and frequency of side effects, and positive virologic response rate in 20 patients with chronic viral hepatitis C (HCV) given combined antiviral therapy with PEG-Intron, ribavirin, and LiverPro hepatoprotector (Santegra, USA, two capsules twice daily) during 3 months. The results were compared with those obtained in the control group of HCV patients receiving the same treatment excepting the hepatoprotector. Clinical manifestations of HCV in the former group disappeared 7-10 days earlier than in control. Also, cytolytic syndrome resolved in these patients, the positive virologic response rate was 20% higher and the frequency of severe side effects of interferon therapy that required its withdrawal was 10% lower. The authors recommend to include LiverPro in combined therapy of HCV.