SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Retreatment”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

PubMed1999

Thermafil retreatment using a new "System B" technique or a solvent.

The solid plastic carrier in the Thermafil obturation system must be removed to facilitate retreatment. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and time required to retreat canals obturated with Thermafil with plastic carriers using a new technique based on the System B HeatSource or a solvent. Fifty-two extracted human mandibular premolars with single canals were instrumented and then obturated with Thermafil with plastic carriers. After 2 wk storage at 22 degrees C and 100% humidity, they were randomly divided into 2 groups of 26 teeth each. Group 1 teeth were retreated using chloroform and hand files, whereas teeth in group 2 were retreated with a new technique using the System B HeatSource. The end point of retreatment was defined as complete removal of the plastic carrier. The time required for retreatment was recorded. Then, the apical 5 mm segment of each root was sectioned horizontally at 1 mm intervals and each section digitally imaged. The total area of the canal and the area of the canal occupied by gutta-percha and sealer were measured using NIH image software. Data were analyzed using an unpaired t test. The mean time for retrieval of the plastic carrier was significantly less for the System B technique (1.8 min) than for the solvent technique (3.6 min) (p < 0.001). The difference between the two groups in the amount of filling material (carrier, gutta-percha, and sealer) removed was not significant (p > 0.05).

Bicuspid↗

PubMed2003

Incidence of flare-ups and evaluation of quality after retreatment of resorcinol-formaldehyde resin ("Russian Red Cement") endodontic therapy.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the quality of treatment and incidence of flare-ups when teeth with resorcinol-formaldehyde resin are retreated in a postgraduate endodontic clinic. Fifty-eight cases were included in this study. Obturated and unfilled canal space was measured on radiographs. Forty-eight percent of the total canal space was filled before retreatment; 90% was filled after retreatment. After retreatment, obturations were rated as optimal in 59%, improved in 33%, unchanged in 6%, and worse in 2%. Seven patients (12%) had postretreatment flare-ups. Data were statistically analyzed using the Cochran-Armitage Test for Discrete Variables. No statistical difference in the incidence of flare-ups was found in teeth that before treatment had more than half the canal space filled compared to teeth with less than half, cases with pre-existing periradicular radiolucencies compared to cases with normal periradicular appearance, symptomatic cases compared to asymptomatic cases, or cases with optimal fillings after retreatment compared to less than optimal cases. It was concluded that teeth with resorcinol-formaldehyde fillings might be retreated with a good prognosis for improving the radiographic quality, but a higher than normal incidence of flare-ups may occur.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2006

Early virological response predicts outcome during extended lamivudine retreatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B who relapsed after initial HBeAg responses.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Studies from hepatitis B virus endemic areas have shown less durable lamivudine-induced responses and have raised issues about the management of a post-treatment relapse. METHODS: From January 2000 to June 2004, all 51 patients (43 HBeAg-positive and eight HBeAg-negative) were retreated with lamivudine for at least 12 months. All had a post-treatment relapse after HBeAg responses (HBeAg loss/seroconversion) during the first therapy. RESULTS: During retreatment, HBeAg seroconversion occurred more frequently in those patients with HBeAg seroconversion than in those with HBeAg loss alone during prior lamivudine therapy (P = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, prior HBeAg seroconversion and early virological response (EVR) (< or = 2 months of retreatment) independently predicted HBeAg seroconversion (P = 0.012 and P = 0.004, respectively). With regard to virological breakthrough, only the time to virological response (> 2 months of retreatment) remained significant (P = 0.048). Among the HBeAg-negative patients, virological breakthrough occurred in only one patient with a late virological response. CONCLUSIONS: EVR is a major predictor in determining a favorable response to lamivudine retreatment. Our observations suggest that lamivudine retreatment will provide more therapeutic gains in those patients with a prior HBeAg seroconversion than in those with HBeAg loss alone.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Infliximab retreatment in adults and children with Crohn's disease: risk factors for the development of delayed severe systemic reaction.

OBJECTIVES: Although effective in the treatment of refractory Crohn's disease, episodic retreatment with the antitumor necrosis factor a chimeric monoclonal antibody infliximab (Remicade, Centocor, Malvern, PA) can be associated with severe acute and delayed systemic reactions. METHODS: We analyzed episodic infliximab retreatment over 30 months in 86 adult and pediatric patients receiving 304 infusions to determine factors associated with the development of severe systemic reaction. RESULTS: Overall, 14% of patients experienced severe systemic reactions with episodic infliximab retreatment. There was a significant difference in the rates of severe systemic reaction observed in adults (11/52 [21%]) and pediatric patients (1/34 [3%]) (p < 0.02). Delayed systemic reactions, characterized by arthralgia, fever, and myalgia requiring corticosteroid treatment, were found exclusively in adults (age > 17 yr) and occurred in eight patients treated for luminal Crohn's disease. Acute systemic reactions, characterized by hypotension, mucosal irritability, and laryngospasm requiring epinephrine, diphenhydramine, and/or methylprednisolone treatment, occurred sporadically in three adults and one child, treated for both luminal and fistulizing disease. Second infliximab infusions were associated with two thirds of severe systemic reactions, and a distant second infusion (> or = 20 wk from first infusion) was poorly tolerated relative to earlier retreatment (p < 0.001). Concomitant medications were similar in adults and children. CONCLUSIONS: Episodic infliximab retreatment--specifically, a distant second infusion--is associated with high rates of severe systemic reaction in adults, but not children. We recommend multiple early infusions of infliximab if retreatment is anticipated in adult patients to avoid the development of delayed severe systemic reactions.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Efficacy of interferon retreatment on interferon-resistant patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Chronic Hepatitis C can progress to end-stage liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Interferon (IFN) therapy is effective in clearing the hepatitis C virus and in improving liver histology, however, few patients maintain a sustained response (SR) after IFN withdrawal. Immediate retreatment with IFN is therefore considered to be both effective and necessary, especially for patients who do not respond to the initial course of IFN therapy. All 145 patients included in the present study underwent liver biopsy, followed by a first treatment course with various IFNs (alpha2a, alpha2b, alpha, OIF or beta). If hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA was positive after the first treatment, the patient was assigned to one of 3 groups, depending on whether his or her alanine transaminase (ALT)level was normalized (incomplete response, IR), partially responsive(PR), or non-responsive (NR). After an observational interval of 6 to 76 months, a second IFN treatment was initiated with a higher dose or the same dose of the same IFN for the IR group, and with a different IFN for the PR and NR groups. At 6 months after retreatment with IFN, the overall efficacy of the retreatment was 29.7.% In the case of the IR group, who received the same IFN, the overall efficacy was 45.2%. In patients identified as non-SR after the first treatment, who received a different type of IFN for retreatment, the overall efficacy was 18.6%. Anti-IFN antibody was not detected in most of the breakthrough cases. For some IR patients, retreatment with the same IFN was effective. Anti-IFN antibody was mostly negative, indicating that the same IFN can be used in both the first treatment and retreatment to obtain an SR. Switching to a different IFN was effective for some PR and NR patients, suggesting that changing IFN for such cases is a good therapeutic choice.

Aging↗

PubMed2006

Source of retreatment cases under the revised national TB control programme in Rajasthan, India, 2003.

BACKGROUND: Three years after state-wide DOTS coverage and achievement of global targets for detection and cure, the proportion of sputum-positive retreatment cases remained high in the north Indian state of Rajasthan. AIM: To determine source, accuracy of categorisation and treatment outcomes in Category II sputum-positive retreatment cases registered from January to March 2003 in five districts of Rajasthan. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred consecutive Category II sputum-positive retreatment cases were identified from the tuberculosis register and interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Categorisation was correct in 195 (97.5%) of retreatment cases interviewed. Treatment after default (TAD) comprised 84.6% (165/195) of interviewees, with 13.3% (n = 26) relapses and 2.1% (n = 4) failure cases. Of the TAD cases, 84.8% (n = 140) had defaulted from previous treatment in the private sector. Only 6.1% (n = 10) had defaulted from Category II DOTS treatment. The most unfavourable treatment outcome seen amongst interviewees was default, as also described in the national data. CONCLUSION: TADs constituted the majority of interviewed retreatment cases (84.6%), and were overwhelmingly being generated by irregular treatment in the private sector. Further involvement of the private sector in the DOTS programme in Rajasthan is needed to stop the creation of further retreatment cases.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2003

Hot rocks or no hot rocks: overnight retreat availability and selection by a diurnal lizard.

I used radio telemetry to determine the effects of substrate size and composition on overnight retreat site selection by western fence lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis). In watersheds of northern California (USA), these lizards occupy two habitat types differing in substrate characteristics: rocky cobble bars found in the dry, active channels of rivers and grassy upland meadows. Rocky substrates, found almost exclusively on cobble bars, provided warmer potential retreat sites than all available retreat sites on meadows during the first 5 h of inactivity. Only cobble and sand substrates provided retreats with temperatures within the preferred daily active range (32-36 degrees C) during the inactive period for these lizards (1900-0900 hours). Females on a cobble bar used rocks as retreats on >90% of nights during the breeding season whereas females on a meadow used wood (>70% of nights) and burrows (>25% of nights). In contrast to females, cobble bar males used rocks significantly less frequently (<70%) and slept in the open air significantly more frequently (25% vs. <1%). Cobble bar females further, showed a significant preference for cobbles 15 cm thick, whereas the rocks used by males did not differ significantly in thickness from those measured in randomly placed transects. Rocks 15 cm thick were the warmest retreats commonly available on this habitat type. Thus, thermal microenvironments available to and chosen by gravid female lizards differ considerably between river and non-river habitats.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

PubMed2006

Susceptibility-guided vs. empiric retreatment of Helicobacter pylori infection after treatment failure.

Successful eradication of Helicobacter pylori after failure of standard triple therapy is difficult because of the higher resistance to metronidazole and clarithromycin. We evaluated the efficacy of susceptibility-guided vs. empiric retreatment for H. pylori after at least one treatment failure and determined the prevalence of posttreatment antibiotic resistance. Forty-nine patients in whom at least one treatment regimen for H. pylori eradication had failed underwent gastric biopsy and culture and were retreated according to the in vitro susceptibility results. Findings were compared with those for 49 control patients referred to our center for a (13)C-urea breath test. H. pylori eradication was assessed by urea breath test at least 6 weeks after retreatment in both groups. Susceptibility-guided retreatment was associated with better eradication rates than empiric treatment. The difference remained significant in stratified and multivariate analysis. Susceptibility-guided retreatment appears to be significantly more effective than empiric retreatment in eradicating H. pylori after at least one previous treatment failure.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMed1992

Efficacy of removing glass ionomer cement, zinc oxide eugenol, and epoxy resin sealers from retreated root canals.

Removal of gutta-percha and various sealers was assessed during retreatment of the root canal system. Sixty root canals were prepared and obturated with gutta-percha and Ketac-endo, Roth's 801 cement, or AH26. After 14 days, the canals were retreated by hand or ultrasonic technique and the retreatment time was recorded. The roots were split and the amount of debris that remained on the canal walls in three separate levels was recorded by use of a dissecting microscope. The mean scores were compared by one-way and two-way ANOVA. The total score was significantly the highest for Ketac-endo (p less than 0.04), followed by AH26 and Roth's 801 cement. The largest amount of debris was consistently found in the apical third, and generally it was comparable for both retreatment techniques. The ultrasonic technique was significantly faster than the hand technique for all sealers tested (p less than 0.0004, p less than 0.0003, p less than 0.02, respectively). Hand retreatment of Ketac-endo was the slowest, whereas ultrasonic retreatment of Roth's 801 cement was the fastest. The results indicated that Ketac-endo endodontic sealer can be effectively removed from the root canal by ultrasonic instrumentation.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1995

Decision logic for retreatment of asymptomatic lung cancer recurrence based on positron emission tomography findings.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to determine if Positron emission tomography (PET) 2-[F-18] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) imaging could detect subclinical local lung cancer recurrence and whether retreatment of such recurrence was feasible and beneficial. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twenty patients with biopsy proven lung cancer were studied with Positron emission tomography for the purpose of detecting subclinical lung cancer recurrence over a period of 4.25 years. All patients were treated with external radiation as part or all of their therapy. Twenty patients had baseline PET and computed tomography (CT) studies for comparison with later studies. Surviving patients had a total of 40 sequential PET scans and 35 CT scans. The follow-up interval ranged from 5 to 40 months posttreatment. The differential uptake ratio (DUR) was determined for regions of interest of increased FDG uptake. RESULTS: The median DUR value of the 20 baseline PET studies was 5.59. The DUR value of greater than 3 was empirically selected as being positive for tumor detection. On baseline studies, PET had a 100% correlation with the CT findings in regard to detection of the site of primary tumor involvement. Four of 20 patients showed areas of discordance in the mediastinal and hilar areas on initial PET and CT studies. Seven of 17 patients showed discordant posttreatment PET-CT findings. Two false positive PET studies were due to radiation pneumonitis and one to macrophage glycolysis in tumor necrosis. For detection of asymptomatic tumor recurrence, analysis of sequential PET and CT studies, biopsy results, and the patient's clinical course suggested that PET had a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 89.3%, and accuracy of 92.5%. Computerized Tomography was found to have a sensitivity of 67%, specificity of 85%, and accuracy of 82% for detection of such early-stage recurrence. Five patients went on to have retreatment with external irradiation based upon the PET evidence. Four retreated patients had biopsies that corroborated the positive PET findings, and one patient was retreated on the basis of the qualitative appearance of the posttreatment PET study. Two of the five retreated patients remain alive without evidence of tumor to 34 months following initial therapy. CONCLUSION: Positron emission tomography scanning appears to be effective in detecting and following the progression of recurrent lung cancer. Retreatment of patients with asymptomatic recurrent tumor has resulted in absent or decreased FDG activity. Monitoring of patients with PET may provide prolonged survival in patients who otherwise would fail treatment because of local tumor recurrence.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMed2004

Risk factors and retreatment results of intraoperative flap complications in LASIK.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence, type, and risk factors of intraoperative complications leading to abandonment of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), and to compare the safety and efficacy of retreated LASIK with uncomplicated primary LASIK. SETTING: Refractive surgery centers in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka, Japan. METHODS: A total of 3751 eyes of 2033 patients who were followed for 6 months after primary LASIK, of which 15 eyes were retreated after intraoperative flap complications, were reviewed. In most of the cases, retreatments were performed by recutting a new flap. RESULTS: Intraoperative flap complications occurred in 25 eyes, of which 15 eyes had retreatment at a later date. The overall incidence of complications was independent of the surgeons' experience, although incomplete flaps, in particular, occurred at a higher rate in the hands of inexperienced surgeons. No patient profile was detected as a risk factor for intraoperative flap complications. No flap-related complications occurred at retreatment. Refractive and visual outcomes were comparable to those in the uncomplicated cases within 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Retreatment after microkeratome flap complications by recutting the cornea is safe and effective.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Excimer retreatment of regression after photorefractive keratectomy.

Regression of effect is a well-established complication of excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy for the correction of myopia. In 17 eyes retreated with excimer photorefractive keratectomy, minimum follow-up time was six months. Mean (+/- SD) refraction at six months postoperatively was -0.97 +/- 2.10 diopters, significantly different (P < .01) from the pre-retreatment mean of -2.91 +/- 0.86 diopters. The 11 best eyes (six-month refraction < -1.00 diopter) had a mean refraction of +0.32 +/- 0.67 diopter. At six months after retreatment, 64.7% had an uncorrected visual acuity greater than or equal to 20/40, and 58.8% were within 1.00 diopter of emmetropia. Two eyes showed a loss of one to two Snellen lines at six months. There was no significant increase in mean haze after retreatment. While the percentage of eyes with uncorrected visual acuity greater than or equal to 20/40 and the percentage of eyes within 1.00 diopter of emmetropia were lower than in eyes which did not require retreatment, the results of this study indicate that the majority of photorefractive keratectomy regressions can be successfully retreated.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Endodontic retreatment with halothane versus chloroform solvent.

Chloroform has been the most widely used solvent in endodontics, but due to concerns about its safety, alternatives have been sought. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of gutta-percha removal and time of retreatment between halothane and chloroform used as solvents. Thirty mandibular premolars were prepared, obturated, and stored in a humidor for 14 months, after which they were randomly divided into two groups for retreatment. The teeth were retreated using either halothane or chloroform as the solvent. The time of retreatment was measured to the nearest minute. Retreatment was deemed complete when there was no evidence of gutta-percha or sealer on the files or paper points. Teeth were split longitudinally and photographed. The resulting slides were projected, the canals traced, and the areas of the canal, gutta-percha, and sealer were measured using a sonic digitizer. The results were analyzed statistically by t test. The results showed no significant difference in gutta-percha removal between the two groups. The chloroform group took significantly less time to retreat than halothane (7.7 min. versus 10.8 min, respectively).

Chloroform↗

PubMed1996

Excimer retreatment for myopic photorefractive keratectomy failures. Six- to 18-month follow-up.

PURPOSE: To study the results of retreatment after myopic photorefractive keratectomy in 22 patients. Five patients showed regression and 17 showed undercorrection combined with regression. The follow-up was 6 to 18 months. METHODS: A laser was used with a fluence of 160 mJ/cm2 at a frequency of 5 Hz. The same nomogram used for the initial treatment was used for the retreatment. No nitrogen purge was used. Fluorometholone 0.1% four times daily tapered over 4 months was applied postoperatively except in five patients. RESULTS: There was no untoward effect in any patient who had retreatment. The mean preoperative spherical equivalent before retreatment was -2.61 +/- 1.62 diopters (D) (range, -1.00 to -6.63 D). After 1 year, the mean spherical equivalent was -0.84 +/- 1.22 D (range, 0.00 to -4.88 D) and at 18 months it was -1.31 +/-1.60 D (range, 0.00 to -5.13 D). Spherical equivalent was +/- D in 82% of patients at 1 year and in 67% at 18 months. Uncorrected visual acuity was 20/40 or better at 1 year in 77% of patients and 20/20 or better in 55%; at 18 months, it was 20/40 or better in 67%. CONCLUSION: Retreatment may be considered for undercorrection and/or regression in photorefractive keratectomy. No complications were observed, and there is appreciable improvement in the final results. The refraction 6 months after retreatment is stable with no statistically significant change from 6 to 12 months (Student's t=0.51; P=0.62) and 6 to 18 months (Student's t=1.0l; P=0.33).

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Retreatment after initial laser in situ keratomileusis.

PURPOSE: To report the results of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) retreatment in patients with primary undercorrection and with postoperative regression and to assess the efficacy and safety of LASIK retreatment. SETTING: The Eye Institute of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. METHODS: The prospective study included 157 eyes of 108 patients. Using the VISX Star laser, retreatments were performed for undercorrection in 43 eyes (27%) and for regression in 114 eyes (73%). The mean follow-up was 15 months (range 6 to 28 months) after the initial surgery and 10 months (range 3 to 25 months) after the repeat LASIK procedure. RESULTS: Overall, the mean spherical equivalent (SE) was -6.11 +/- 2.35 diopters (D) (range -1.87 to -15.00 D) before LASIK and -1.28 +/- 0.57 D (range -0.50 to -3.25 D) prior to retreatment. At the last visit, it was -0.23 +/- 0.41 D (range -2.55 to 1.13 D). One hundred fifty-three eyes (97.5%) were within +/-1.00 D of emmetropia and 128 (81.5%), within +/-0.50 D. The uncorrected visual acuity was 20/20 or better in 68.8% of eyes and 20/40 or better in 98.1%. In all eyes, the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved or remained within 1 line of the pre-revision level. However, 2 eyes (1.3%) lost 2 or more lines of pre-initial LASIK BCVA. Both eyes had a preoperative SE greater than -8.00 D; corneal irregularity was the cause of the decrease in vision. CONCLUSIONS: Several conclusions can be drawn from this study. First, LASIK retreatment is effective and safe for correcting undercorrection and regression after initial LASIK, and a good visual outcome is expected. Second, in most eyes, regression occurs within 6 months after the initial LASIK. However, regression can develop up to 2 years after LASIK. Third, multiple retreatments will be required in some patients. The outcome in these cases is promising.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Retreatment of central islands after photorefractive keratectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate excimer laser retreatment of central islands and the refractive consequences. SETTING: Department d'Ophtalmologie, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval, Quebec City, and Sir Mortimer B. Davis Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada. METHODS: In this study, 22 eyes retreated for central islands were retrospectively analyzed. All initial corrections and retreatments were performed with the Chiron Technolas Keracor 116 laser. RESULTS: A marked decrease in symptoms was observed in almost all cases. Topographic analysis confirmed these results but revealed persistence of minimal islands in several cases. Retreatment of central islands also induced a small myopic correction. Using a 2.5 mm zone, the mean induced refractive effect was 0.21 diopter of myopic correction per diopter of retreatment. CONCLUSION: Retreatment of central islands appeared safe, was relatively easy, and provided good results with a rapid recovery.

Cornea↗

PubMed1997

Retreating recurrent breast cancer with the same CMF-containing regimen used as adjuvant therapy. The International Breast Cancer Study Group.

Breast cancer metastases appearing soon after adjuvant chemotherapy (within 12 months of its completion) are usually resistant to retreatment with the same cytotoxic agents, while relapses occurring later (beyond 12 months) regress when rechallenged with the same agents, showing similar response rates observed in non-pretreated patients with advanced disease. The International Breast Cancer Study Group (IBCSG) prospectively explored the efficacy of retreatment for patients upon relapse using the same therapy administered during the adjuvant programme. 87 patients previously treated with an adjuvant CMF (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil) combination chemotherapy (with or without the addition of low-dose prednisone and tamoxifen), who had measurable first breast cancer relapse, usually after at least 6 months of completion of the adjuvant treatment, were treated with CMF. Pretreatment consisted of 1-3 CMF courses in 27 patients and 4 or more courses in 60 patients. 17 patients were retreated with additional tamoxifen or had tamoxifen stopped at relapse. The data of these patients are shown separately. 47 of the 86 fully evaluable patients (55%) had an objective response, which was complete in 25 (29%). The dominant metastatic type and the number of involved sites were the most important factors influencing response to retreatment. Patients with soft tissue metastases had a high response rate (36/52, 69%) compared with those who had visceral involvement (9/24, 38%) or those with bony disease (2/10, 20%) (P = 0.002). In conclusion, response rates to retreatment with CMF were similar to those expected in a non-pretreated population. The patterns of relapse and the number of metastatic sites were the most important factors predicting response to retreatment, while treatment-free interval (usually longer than 6 months due to the study design) did not influence response rates. This study supports the hypothetic effectiveness of late reintroduction of adjuvant cytotoxic therapy (prior to evidence of systemic relapse), upon which several current trials are based.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Interferon retreatment reduces or delays the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Inhibition of hepatocarcinogenesis is a crucial issue in treating chronic hepatitis C patients, especially those who do not respond completely to interferon therapy. Interferon has been reported to reduce the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) not only in sustained virological responders but also in transient biochemical responders. However, the incidence of HCC increases in 5 years or more after interferon therapy in transient biochemical responders. The aim of this study is to assess whether interferon retreatment reduces the incidence of HCC in chronic hepatitis C patients in whom hepatitis C virus was not eradicated during initial interferon therapy. We enrolled 309 patients who were not sustained virological responders after initial interferon treatment consisting of a total dose of more than 250 megaunits of interferon and were followed for more than 2 years after treatment. Ninety-nine patients received interferon retreatment and 210 did not. Two courses of interferon therapy were administered in 84, three courses in 14 and five courses in one. The incidence of HCC was compared between patients with retreatment and those without. In the clinical characteristics, retreated patients were younger and followed up for a longer time period. The cumulative incidence of HCC was significantly lower in retreated patients. In multivariate analysis, patients' age (P=0.018) and the number of courses of interferon therapy (P=0.022) were independently associated with HCC incidence. These results suggest that interferon retreatment reduces or delays the incidence of HCC in chronic hepatitis C patients who did not completely respond to initial therapy.

Adult↗