1995: RCTs of dose and duration Poynard, et al., N Engl J Med; 332: 1457-62
Outcomes were ALT levels and repeat biopsies.
nl ALT @ 18 mo @ 2 yrs improved histology
Group 2 27% (p=.08) 10% (p=.02) 48% (p=.02)
Group 3 30% (p=.04) 8% (p=.005) 39% (p<.001)
(31 and 22 patients dropped out of groups 1 and 2, respectively)
- NNT with 3MU for 18 months vs. 6 months to have one pt with a normal ALT at 18 months = 7.
- NNT to have one pt with a normal ALT at 2 yrs = 7.
- NNT to have one pt with improved histologic-activity index on repeat biopsy at 18 months = 3.