562 Prospective randomized study of peginterferon alpha-2a, ribavirin and amantadine vs peginterferon alpha-2a plus ribavirin, in hepatitis C patients now responders or relapsers to interferon-alpha and ribavirin

Meta‐analysis: re‐treatment of genotype I hepatitis C nonresponders and relapsers after failing interferon and ribavirin combination therapy

“…Only one study provided data regarding the possible benefit of adding amantadine to PEG-IFN based combination therapy in relapser patients. 37 There was no significant difference in SVR rates among relapsers with the addition of amantadine to combination therapy vs. relapsers who received more standard combination therapy: 41.2% (14 ⁄ 34) vs. 42.9% (15 ⁄ 35) (P = 0.89). Discontinuation because of adverse events was not described for most of the trials, but was similar among the two treatment arms when reported.…”

“…Seven RCTs 37–44 evaluated the possible benefit of adding amantadine to PEG‐IFN and RBV during re‐treatment (Table 1). Notably, amantadine was added to both treatment arms in two studies 39, 42, 43 that compared different dosing regimens of PEG‐IFN.…”

“…Moreover, in meta‐analysis of all trials using amantadine, SVR rates were not improved for regimens that included amantadine: RR = 1.24; 95% CI: 0.90–1.72 ( Q = 5.58, P = 0.472, I 2 = 0.0%) (Figure 4). Only one study provided data regarding the possible benefit of adding amantadine to PEG‐IFN based combination therapy in relapser patients 37 . There was no significant difference in SVR rates among relapsers with the addition of amantadine to combination therapy vs. relapsers who received more standard combination therapy: 41.2% (14/34) vs. 42.9% (15/35) ( P = 0.89).…”

“…Amantadine does not appear to be beneficial based on these studies. Meta‐analysis of studies that compared amantadine plus combination therapy vs. placebo (or no additional treatment) plus combination therapy 37, 38, 40, 41, 44 demonstrated that amantadine did not improve SVR rates compared with placebo: RR = 1.07; 95% CI: 0.70–1.64 ( Q = 3.15, P = 0.53, I 2 = 0.0%). Moreover, in meta‐analysis of all trials using amantadine, SVR rates were not improved for regimens that included amantadine: RR = 1.24; 95% CI: 0.90–1.72 ( Q = 5.58, P = 0.472, I 2 = 0.0%) (Figure 4).…”